The Consequences Of Not Paying Child Support In Washington State

If there is anything we can all agree on, it is that children need love and support from both of their parents. In many cases, especially when one parent does not have custody, that support comes in the form of financial support. Unfortunately, in Washington State a large number of parents do not follow through with the child support payment that they owe to their children. In fact, according to the Division of Child Support (DCS), only 50 percent of child support orders are paid in full. Twenty-five percent of children only receive partial child support payments, while the remaining 25 percent receive none at all.

These numbers are surprising, especially considering that there are serious consequences attached to not paying child support. The following actions could be taken if child support is not paid:

• DCS will withhold money from your paycheck, your unemployment checks, your workers’ compensation checks, or other forms of regular income.
• DCS will withhold money from your IRS tax refunds.
• DCS will suspend your driver’s license as well as any other professional or recreational licenses.
• DCS will not allow you to renew your US Passport or successfully apply for a passport.
• DCS will seize your personal property, such as vehicles, for auction.
• DCS will file liens against your properties
• DCS will report your debt to credit report companies.
• DCS will post your name on their Most Wanted website.

If you are struggling to collect child support payments from the other parent of your children, or if you believe you are wrongfully being targeted for payment, talk to a child support attorney today.