What is a lien for unpaid child support?

A lien for unpaid child support is a legal document that puts a claim on an individual’s assets or credit. In Florida, when a parent fails to pay child support, then the state may issue a lien against the parent in order to recover the unpaid money. A lien is registered with state or county agencies and remains in place until the debt is paid off. The lien is different from court orders in that the court orders are enforceable, whereas liens are not. They are simply a warning that if the debt is not paid off, then the person’s assets or credit may be affected. Liens are only enforceable if the person fails to pay the court-ordered amount. When a lien is in place, it affects the parent’s credit report, and any assets the parent owns may be seized and sold to pay the debt. In addition, if the parent ever applies for a mortgage, loan, or other line of credit, then the lien will be listed on the credit report, making it harder to obtain financing. In Florida, the Department of Revenue (DOR) is responsible for ensuring that child support orders are enforced. When a parent is delinquent in making payments, the DOR will take steps to collect, including issuing a lien. The DOR may also refer cases to the Attorney General’s office for further action.

Related FAQs

What is the effect of a change in marital status on child support?
What expenses can a non-custodial parent be responsible for?
How are overseas child support payments enforced?
What is a withholding order for child support?
How do states allocate child support payments?
What if I can’t afford to pay child support?
Can a parent receive a deduction for child support payments?
How is a deviation from the presumptive guideline calculated?
Can I receive retroactive child support payments?
What is a court hearing for child support?

What is a lien for unpaid child support?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts