What Happens If You Can’t Pay Court-Ordered Child Support?
Sept. 18, 2025
Child support is a critical part of the legal system that aims to protect the well-being of children by making sure that both parents contribute to the financial support of their children. However, life circumstances can sometimes make it difficult for an individual to keep up with these financial obligations, which is when a child support attorney is needed.
If you're struggling to meet your child support obligations, it’s important to understand the potential legal consequences that could arise. In that same vein, if you're facing financial hardship, there may be ways to reduce your payment or delay your obligations.
The Law Office of Blake P. Lipman serves clients in the Detroit Metropolitan Area and the Tri-County area, including Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb. Contact the firm today for more information about how to proceed if you’re unable to pay court-ordered child support.
The Potential Consequences of Failing to Pay Child Support
When you don’t make court-ordered child support payments, the consequences can be severe, and the state has various tools at its disposal to enforce payment. Below are the potential repercussions you could face:
Wage garnishment: If you fail to pay child support, the court can order that your wages be garnished. This means that a portion of your paycheck will be withheld and sent directly to the other parent or the Michigan State Disbursement Unit. This garnishment can continue until the arrears are paid off in full.
Driver’s license suspension: The state may suspend your driver’s license if you fall behind on child support payments. This can make it difficult for you to get to work or carry out daily tasks, further complicating your financial situation.
Passport denial or revocation: If you owe significant child support arrears, the state can deny or revoke your passport, which may limit your ability to travel outside the United States.
Bank account seizure: In some cases, the state may seize funds from your bank account to satisfy the child support arrears. This can include both checking and savings accounts, potentially leaving you without immediate access to your money.
Property liens: If you own real estate or other valuable assets, the state can place a lien on your property to recover unpaid child support. This means that if you attempt to sell your property, the outstanding arrears must be paid before the sale is finalized.
Contempt of court charges: If you fail to make payments as ordered, you may be held in contempt of court. This means the court believes you’re deliberately disobeying the order, and it can impose additional fines or jail time in some cases.
The consequences of not paying court-ordered child support are serious and can have long-lasting effects on your financial stability and freedom. It's important to take immediate action to address any difficulties in making payments and to consult with a child support attorney to explore your options.
What to Do If You're Struggling to Pay Child Support:
If you find yourself unable to pay court-ordered child support, there are several steps you can take to avoid or mitigate the consequences. Acting early is essential to prevent the situation from escalating. One option is to request a modification of your child support order, especially if your financial circumstances have changed.
This could be due to a reduction in income, increased expenses, or other significant life changes. A child support attorney can assist you in filing the necessary paperwork to reduce the amount. In some cases, the court may grant temporary relief from child support obligations, providing a short-term solution while you work on improving your finances.
You’ll need to provide supporting documentation, such as proof of unemployment or medical bills, to demonstrate your inability to pay. If you can't afford the full amount, making partial payments is better than paying nothing at all. Even partial payments can show the court that you're making an effort, potentially helping to reduce further penalties.
It may also help to communicate openly with the custodial parent about your financial struggles. They might be willing to work out a temporary arrangement, but it's crucial to formalize any agreement through the court system to make it legally binding.
Finally, hiring a child support attorney can provide invaluable guidance as you explore all options available to you. An attorney can represent your interests, help you request a modification or temporary suspension, and make sure you're complying with the court's orders to avoid additional penalties.
How to Request a Child Support Modification
The process for modifying your child support payments in Michigan depends on your specific circumstances. First, you must file a motion with the court requesting a modification of your child support order. In this motion, you’ll need to demonstrate a significant change in your situation, such as a reduction in income, job loss, or a medical condition that impacts your ability to earn.
To support your motion, you must provide documentation of your financial hardship, such as pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, or medical records, depending on the nature of your circumstances. It's important to gather all necessary evidence before filing, as incomplete documentation can delay the process.
Additionally, if you have a history of child support non-payment, you may need to show evidence of your efforts to make payments in good faith. Once the motion is filed, the court will schedule a hearing where you’ll have the opportunity to present your case and explain why a modification is necessary.
Having a child support attorney from the Law Office of Blake P. Lipman present at this hearing is crucial to make sure effective representation. After the hearing, the judge will determine whether to modify your child support order, and if the modification is granted, it will become the new legally binding order.
Consequences of Not Addressing the Issue
Ignoring a child support obligation can be incredibly risky, and failing to address the situation can lead to serious consequences. One of the most significant risks is the mounting arrears. If you don’t pay your child support, the amount you owe will continue to grow, with interest being added to the total.
This makes it even harder to catch up on payments later. In addition to the financial burden, there are also legal penalties that can arise from nonpayment, including wage garnishment, property liens, and even the possibility of jail time.
Beyond the legal and financial consequences, neglecting child support can damage your relationship with your children and their custodial parent. It can lead to distrust, resentment, and long-term emotional effects that could last for years.
Lastly, unpaid child support can negatively impact your credit score, making it more difficult to secure loans, mortgages, or credit cards in the future. If you have any further questions, ask your child support attorney.
Contact Your Family Lawyer Today
If you’re struggling to pay child support, it’s essential to take proactive steps to address the situation. Ignoring the problem can lead to severe legal and financial consequences. Whether you’re seeking a modification of your child support order or need help negotiating with the other parent, a child support attorney can provide valuable assistance.
The Law Office of Blake P. Lipman serves clients in Farmington Hills, Michigan, as well as in the Detroit Metropolitan Area and the Tri-County area, including Oakland, Wayne, and Macomb. Call today to get the help you need.