When a parent ordered to pay child support (the obligor) fails to make the payments (is in arrears), the Office of the Attorney General in your state may take one or more actions to enforce the child support obligation. These enforcement actions may include court action (civil and criminal contempt charges); suspension of the obligor’s driver’s license; reporting the delinquency to credit reporting agencies; denial or suspension of the obligor’s passport privileges; and liens on properties, bank accounts, life insurance plans, retirement plans, personal injury claims, and other assets.

In California, when a parent (the obligor) fails to pay court-ordered child support, the Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) can take several enforcement actions. These actions include filing a court case which could lead to civil contempt charges, and in extreme cases, criminal charges. The DCSS can also suspend the obligor's driver's license, professional licenses, and recreational licenses. The state can report the overdue support to credit bureaus, affecting the obligor's credit rating. Passport denial is another enforcement tool; the obligor's passport can be denied or restricted if the arrears exceed a certain amount. Additionally, liens can be placed on the obligor's property, bank accounts, and other assets such as life insurance and retirement plans. The DCSS works in conjunction with the Office of the Attorney General to ensure compliance with child support orders and to take appropriate enforcement actions when necessary.