What is a lien for unpaid child support?

A lien for unpaid child support is a legal tool used to secure the payment of court-ordered child support. In Washington, when a parent fails to pay court-ordered child support, the court may issue a lien on the debtor’s property or other financial assets, such as bank accounts. The lien exists as long as the court-ordered child support is unpaid. A lien gives the court authority to seize the debtor’s assets and use them to pay off the outstanding child support debt. A lien for unpaid child support can also extend to the debtor’s future wages, income tax refunds, real estate, and even inherited property, depending on the state law. A lien is a legal claim against the debtor’s property, and any financial institution or business that has information about the debtor’s assets must honor it. This ensures the court is able to obtain the money owed to the custodial parent and their child. In Washington, if a lien is issued, the court must notify the debtor via mail or in person. The court must also inform the debtor of their rights and the associated penalties for not paying child support. The failure to pay child support, even if a lien has been issued, can result in interest charges and/or other legal consequences, such as wage garnishments, liens, and even jail time.

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What is a lien for unpaid child support?

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