What is the process for enforcing a child support order?

In North Carolina, there are several ways to enforce a child support order. The most common and effective method is by wage withholding, which is an automatic deduction from a parent’s paycheck. In other cases, the Child Support Enforcement agency may take other steps, including seizing bank accounts, tax refunds, or other assets; imposing liens on property; suspending driver’s licenses, recreational licenses, or business licenses; or placing the non-paying parent in contempt of court. Enforcement begins when the court enters a child support order. The order is then sent to the Department of Health and Human Services, which collects the support payments. If the non-paying parent does not make payments according to the court order, the Child Support Enforcement agency can take action to enforce the order. The Child Support Enforcement agency can also help locate the non-paying parent if they have moved or changed their address or employment without the Court’s knowledge. The agency may use credit reporting data, tax records, or other databases to locate the parent. Once the Child Support Enforcement agency has located the non-paying parent, the agency will send a request for payment. If the parent does not comply with the request, the agency may take additional enforcement measures. The degree of enforcement will depend on the amount of arrears owed and the amount of disposable income available to the parent. The purpose of enforcement is to ensure that children receive the financial support they need. It is important to remember that enforcement can be costly for both the parent paying and the parent receiving the support, so it is best to try and reach an agreement outside of court in order to avoid the need for enforcement.

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What is the process for enforcing a child support order?

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