What to Do When a Parent Refuses to Pay Child Support in Brandon, Florida
Dealing with a parent who refuses to pay child support can be frustrating and financially devastating. At Brandon Legal Group, we understand the stress and anxiety this situation can cause. Our experienced attorneys are here to guide you through the legal options available in Brandon, Florida, to ensure your children receive the support they deserve.
Understanding Your Rights and Options
Florida law provides several enforcement methods when a parent fails to meet their child support obligations. Let’s explore the legal avenues available to you:
1. Wage Garnishment
One of the most effective ways to collect unpaid child support is through wage garnishment. This process allows the court to deduct child support payments directly from the non-paying parent’s paycheck.
2. Property Liens
The court can place liens on the non-paying parent’s property, including real estate and vehicles. This prevents them from selling or refinancing the property without first paying the child support owed.
3. License Suspension
Florida can suspend various licenses held by the non-paying parent, including:
Driver’s license
Professional licenses
Recreational licenses (e.g., fishing, hunting)
This action often motivates parents to catch up on payments to reinstate their licenses.
4. Contempt of Court
If a parent willfully disobeys a court order to pay child support, they can be held in contempt of court. This may result in fines or even jail time.
5. Federal Prosecution
In cases of persistent non-payment, especially across state lines, federal authorities may get involved. The non-paying parent could face criminal charges under the Deadbeat Parents Punishment Act.
How Brandon Legal Group Can Help
Navigating child support enforcement can be complex and emotionally draining. Our experienced attorneys at Brandon Legal Group are here to support you every step of the way. We can help by:
Filing the necessary court documents to initiate enforcement actions
Representing you in court hearings
Negotiating with the non-paying parent or their attorney
Exploring all available legal options to secure the support your children need
Case Study: Securing Back-Owed Child Support
To protect client confidentiality, this case study is fictional but relevant.
Sarah, a single mother of two, came to Brandon Legal Group after her ex-husband had fallen behind on child support payments for over a year. Despite having a good job, he consistently claimed he couldn’t afford to pay. Our attorneys took swift action:
We presented evidence of the father’s income and spending habits during the hearing.
The judge found the father in contempt and ordered immediate wage garnishment.
We also secured a judgment for back-owed support, which allowed us to place liens on the father’s property.
http://garnishementWithin six months, Sarah received all back-owed support and began receiving regular payments through wage garnishment. This case demonstrates how aggressive legal action can make a real difference for families struggling with unpaid child support.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to enforce child support payments?
The timeline for enforcing child support payments can vary depending on the specific circumstances and the enforcement method used. Some actions, like wage garnishment, can be implemented relatively quickly, often within a few weeks. Other methods, such as property liens or contempt proceedings, may take several months. Your attorney can give you a more accurate timeline based on your case.
Can child support be collected from unemployment benefits?
Yes, child support can be collected from unemployment benefits in Florida. If the non-paying parent receives unemployment, the state can intercept these payments to cover child support obligations. However, there may be limits on how much can be taken, typically up to 65% of the unemployment benefits.
What if the non-paying parent lives in another state?
Child support enforcement can still be pursued through interstate cooperation if the non-paying parent lives in another state. The Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA) allows states to work together to enforce child support orders across state lines. Your local child support enforcement agency or an experienced attorney can help initiate this process.
Take Action Today
If you’re struggling with a parent who refuses to pay child support, don’t face this challenge alone. Brandon Legal Group is here to fight for your rights and ensure your children receive the financial support they need and deserve.
Our experienced attorneys understand the nuances of Florida child support laws and have a proven track record of successful enforcement actions. We’re committed to giving you the strength and courage to navigate this complicated process.
Contact Brandon Legal Group today for a confidential consultation. Let us help you explore your legal options and develop a strategy to secure the child support payments your family is entitled to.
Remember, your children’s well-being is our top priority. Don’t let unpaid child support hold your family back – take the first step toward resolution by contacting us today.
