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 New Mexico, when a parent (the obligor) fails to pay court-ordered child support and falls into arrears, the Office of the Attorney General can take several enforcement actions to ensure compliance with the child support obligation. These actions can include initiating civil or criminal contempt charges, which may result in fines or even jail time for the non-compliant parent. The state can also suspend the obligor's driver's license, making it illegal for them to drive until they pay the overdue child support or make arrangements to do so. Additionally, the delinquency can be reported to credit reporting agencies, negatively affecting the obligor's credit score. The state may also deny or suspend the obligor's passport, preventing international travel. Furthermore, liens can be placed on the obligor's property, bank accounts, life insurance policies, retirement plans, personal injury claims, and other assets to secure payment of the child support owed. These measures are designed to compel the obligor to fulfill their financial responsibilities towards their child.