Enforcement of Child Support Orders

If a parent fails to meet his or her support payment obligations, enforcement of a child support order can take a number of forms. In some states, the order itself will state that the parent's wages will be withheld if support payments are not made as ordered. Additional actions that may be taken include seizure of property, interception of tax refunds, and the court's holding the non-paying parent "in contempt" of the support order. In this context, a finding of "contempt" is a legal ruling that the court's instructions as to child support were violated, and punishment can include jail time in some cases).   

Remember that in most states an actual child support order must be in place before any enforcement/collection action can be taken. As discussed above, once a child support order is issued, the state's child support services/enforcement agency can provide parent location, support collection, or support enforcement services.

More on Enforcement of Child Support Orders (FindLaw Bookshelf)

Go here to see a state-by-state listing of child support agencies.  

Changes to Child Support Orders

Child support can be increased if there is a change in circumstances justifying the increase, such as an increase in the payer's income, a decrease in the custodial parent's income, an increase in the child's needs, or an increase of the cost of living. Similarly, the amount can be reduced if circumstances justify the reduction.

More on Changes to Child Support Orders.