Tampa Child Support: What Happens If The Other Parent Refuses To Pay

If you are a parent and going through a separation or divorce in Tampa, child support is a key issue to address. Getting the appropriate amount is vital in meeting your child’s needs and helps cover housing, food, healthcare, and education.

Getting a child support order through the Hillsborough County Family Court is the first step, but what happens if the other parent refuses to pay? Our Tampa child support lawyer explains the penalties they could face for shirking their financial responsibilities and the steps you can take to hold them accountable.

Tampa Parents Have A Legal Duty To Pay Child Support

In cases of divorced or single parents, Section 61.13 of the Florida Statutes requires both parties to contribute to their children’s care and financial support. In Tampa, getting a child support order through the Hillsborough County Family Court helps ensure you receive the amount needed to provide for your child properly. Once this order is issued, the paying parent is legally required to comply.

Failing to make payments is considered a violation of a court order, which can result in serious legal and financial consequences. Common penalties for refusing to pay child support in Tampa include:

• Contempt of court charges, resulting in heavy fines and a potential jail sentence;
• Suspension of driver’s and professional licenses;
• Adverse credit reports;
• Wage garnishment of wages;
• Seizure of money in bank accounts, tax refunds, or government benefits;
• Liens on property, preventing the non-paying parent from selling it until they pay their child support debts.

Because these consequences are significant, parents who stop paying rarely avoid responsibility for long.

Steps You Can Take If The Other Parent Won’t Pay Child Support In Tampa

Both the Florida Department of Revenue (DOR) and the family courts have the power to enforce child support orders. Even if the parent is unemployed or living out of state, they can still be subject to enforcement actions. Steps you can take to get the child support you and your child are owed include:

• File a Motion for Contempt in Court: This allows a judge to hold the non-paying parent accountable for violating the court’s order.
• Seek Wage Withholding Orders: Your attorney can request that child support payments be automatically deducted from the other parent’s paycheck.
• Request a Court-Ordered Payment Plan: If the other parent is behind, the court may order arrears on top of ongoing support.
• Explore Interstate Enforcement: Federal law allows enforcement across state lines if the parent has moved out of state.

Contact Our Office To Schedule A Consultation With Our Tampa Child Support Lawyer

Child support in Tampa helps provide stability and security for your children. When the other parent refuses to pay, it can jeopardize your child’s well-being.

At Bubley & Bubley, P.A., we help families throughout Hillsborough County get the financial support they need and hold non-paying parents accountable. Contact our office to schedule a consultation with our Tampa child support lawyer today.

Sources:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.13.html

childsupport.floridarevenue.com/