How Can I Have Child Support Order Enforced in Tampa?
When two people have a child together, they are both financially responsible for supporting the child. Unfortunately, there are cases when parents do not comply with the terms of a child support order. In these instances, it is necessary for other parents to enforce the order to secure child support. Below, our Tampa enforcement lawyer explains more.
Document Everything
It is important to keep all organized and accurate records of all child support payments, including dates, payments amounts, and any correspondence relative to support. This documentation can help prove non-compliance and calculate the amount owed.
Communicate with the Non-Compliant Parent
Before taking any legal action, it is recommended that you speak with the non-compliant parent. Remind them respectfully of their obligation and ask for them to voluntarily comply. Clearly outlines the details of the order to pay child support, including the dates payments are due and the consequences of failing to pay. Keep any record of your communication attempts, as this can show that you tried to resolve it civilly and without court interference.
Contact the DOR
If the non-compliant parent continues to refuse to provide child support payments, contact the Florida Department of Revenue (DOR). When contacting the agency, submit all pertinent information regarding the legal order, including the information of the non-compliant parent, the court case number, and the documentation you have collected to support your claim.
Enforcement Measures
There are many tools the DOR will use to enforce child support orders. These are as follows:
- Withholding income: The DOR can request employers to garnish a non-compliant parent’s wages until the child support obligation is satisfied. The DOR will send the request to the employer and after wages are garnished, the employer will direct them to the DOR.
- Tax refund interception: The DOR can also intercept state and federal tax refunds. After intercepting these tax refunds, the DOR will then redirect them to pay the overdue child support.
- Seizure and liens on property: The DOR may also seize the non-compliant parent’s property to satisfy child support debt, or place a lien on the property of the non-compliant parent.
- License suspension: The DOR has the authority to suspend a driver’s license, professional license, or occupational license until the child support obligation is fulfilled.
- Denial of passport: If child support obligations exceed a certain amount, the DOR can also deny, revoke, or refuse a renewal of the non-compliant parent’s passport.
Contempt of Court
If the DOR uses enforcement measures and the non-compliant parent still refuses to pay support, you can file a motion of contempt with the court. This essentially asks the court to find the non-compliant parent in violation of a court order. If the court finds the non-paying parent in contempt, they may face penalties such as fine and even jail time.
Our Enforcement Lawyer in Tampa Can Help You Through the Process
Enforcing a child support order in Florida is important to protect your child’s rights and ensure they receive the support they need. At All Family Law Group, P.A., our Tampa enforcement lawyer can help you through the process so you have the best chance of a successful outcome. Call us now at 813-672-1900 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to get more information.
Source:
floridarevenue.com/childsupport/contact/Pages/default.aspx
