Advice on Collecting on Delinquent Child Support

Thank you for your question about the child support payments you are entitled to receive but have not received and the implications of the delinquent payments appearing on your ex-spouse's credit report.

Strong Negative Effects Possible, When Delinquent Child Support Payments are Reported to the Credit Bureaus

The fact that his delinquent child support payments have been reported to the consumer credit reporting agencies will likely have a negative impact on your ex-husband’s credit rating, which could make it more difficult for him to obtain credit in the future. In addition, his current creditors, such as the credit cards you mention in your question, may see him as a higher risk borrower due to the child support delinquency appearing on his credit reports; even if he is making his payments to his other creditors on time, any significant decrease in his credit score may cause them to lower his credit limits and increase his interest rates. The reduction in his credit score may also result in the closure of his open credit lines, depending on how much the delinquent support damages his overall credit rating. To learn more about how delinquent accounts, including unpaid child support, can affect a consumer’s credit profile, I encourage you to visit the Bills.com credit resources page.

Child Support Delinquency can lead to Garnishment, Levy, Suspension of Driver's License, or even Jail

Having fallen behind on his child support payments, your ex-husband likely has much more to worry about than his credit score. Failure to make court-ordered child support payments has serious consequences, many of which your ex-husband may not have considered when he decided to stop paying his child support. In addition to being reported to the credit bureaus, unpaid child support can result in the suspension of the non-custodial parent’s driver’s license, the garnishment of his wages, levying of his bank accounts, seizure of property, and in severe cases, can even result in jail time. I strongly encourage you to consult with your attorney as soon as possible to discuss the options available to assist you in enforcing your ex-husband’s child support obligations. From your question, it sounds like your ex-husband has significant assets, including investments and a home which is paid off. You may be able to collect against these assets, forcing your ex-husband to pay his delinquent child support by seizing his investment accounts or by forcing the sale of his home.

Use All Resources Available, to Help Collect on Delinquent Support Payments

In addition to speaking with your attorney, you should contact your state’s child support enforcement agency. Many states will assist custodial parents in collecting on delinquent child support debts, which can be especially helpful for parents who are struggling financially and can therefore not afford an attorney. State agencies can also take direct action such as suspending the drivers’ licenses of delinquent parents, which has proven to be an effective way to coerce obstinate individuals to pay up. You can find a state-by-state list of child support enforcement agencies by visiting the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services Web site. This Web site can also help you find federal government resources which can assist you in enforcing this outstanding child support obligation.

As I mentioned, I strongly recommend that you consult with your attorney as soon as possible to discuss the options available to help you collect on this debt.

I wish you the best of luck in collecting your ex-spouse’s delinquent child support payments.

I hope this information helps you Find. Learn & Save.

Best,

Bill

Bills.com