How can I enforce a court order to pay child support?

Enforcing court orders to pay child support can be a complex process. In Washington, the Division of Child Support (DCS) is responsible for enforcing child support orders. DCS has the authority to enforce a child support order through various means. To begin the enforcement process, DCS must first locate the parent responsible for paying the child support. This may involve obtaining financial information such as bank account information, credit reports, and wage information from employers. Any assets of the non-custodial parent may also be subject to a lien. Once a non-custodial parent is located, DCS can take action to enforce the child support order. This may include garnishing the non-custodial parent’s wages, intercepting tax refunds, suspending drivers, licenses, and professional and/or recreational licenses, placing liens on property, denying passport applications, and more. DCS can also refer unpaid child support to the Self-Sufficiency Department. The Self-Sufficiency Department has the authority to set up repayment plans to help the non-custodial parent pay off past due child support. If these repayment plans are not successful, DCS can take more extreme measures such as placing the non-custodial parent in jail for contempt of court. If you are struggling to collect child support, contact the Division of Child Support. They will work with you to help you enforce your court order.

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How can I enforce a court order to pay child support?

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