Child support ensures that both parents contribute to the financial needs of their children after a divorce or separation. However, sometimes a parent may stop making payments, which can cause serious hardship. If your ex has stopped paying child support in Florida, there are steps you can take.
Legal Actions to Enforce Child Support
Florida courts take non-payment of child support seriously. If payments stop, you can file a motion for enforcement with the court that issued the original child support order. The court has several tools to enforce payments, including wage garnishment, suspending driver’s or professional licenses, or even jail time in extreme cases. The goal is to make sure your child continues to receive the support they need.
Additionally, the court can impose fines or order repayment plans to recover missed payments. It’s important to keep thorough records of all payments and missed payments, as this documentation can support your case.
Working with the Department of Revenue
Florida’s Department of Revenue Child Support Program can assist in collecting payments and enforcing orders. They offer services like locating absent parents, establishing paternity, and managing payments. If your ex stops paying, reaching out to this program can be a helpful step before or alongside legal action. They also provide resources to help parents understand their rights and responsibilities under Florida law.
In some cases, the program can help facilitate communication between parents to resolve disputes without court intervention.
If you’re facing missed child support Tampa, FL payments, it’s important to act quickly. A family law attorney can help you understand your rights and the best way to proceed to ensure your child’s financial needs are met. Legal counsel can also assist in filing motions and navigating court procedures, making the process less overwhelming during a difficult time.