What happens to unpaid child support arrears?

In Washington, the parent who is owed unpaid child support arrears may seek relief by guiding the situation through the Office of the Attorney General’s Child Support Department. This department collaborates with the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) to provide assistance. When the non-custodial parent fails to pay child support that was previously ordered or agreed upon, the parent that is owed the money may pursue legal action. This can involve garnishment of the non-custodial parent’s wages to collect the arrears, or the filing of a lien on the non-custodial parent’s property. Additionally, the Office of the Attorney General’s Child Support Department has the power to suspend certain privileges from the non-custodial parent, such as suspending the parent’s driver’s license or professional license. It can also take legal action to intercept tax refunds, lottery winnings, or other financial resources, and apply them to the arrearage. Finally, the Department of Child Support can refer the non-custodial parent for criminal prosecution if the parent is found to have willfully failed to pay child support. This could result in a jail sentence until the entire arrearage is paid or the non-custodial parent is released under other court agreement.

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What happens to unpaid child support arrears?

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