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 Washington State, when a parent (the obligor) fails to pay court-ordered child support and falls into arrears, the Washington State Division of Child Support (DCS) within the Office of the Attorney General has several enforcement tools at its disposal. DCS can initiate court action against the non-paying parent, which may result in civil or criminal contempt charges. The state can also suspend the obligor's driver's license and professional or occupational licenses. Additionally, the delinquency can be reported to credit bureaus, affecting the obligor's credit score. Passport denial or suspension is another enforcement action that can be taken to prevent the obligor from obtaining or using a passport. DCS can place liens on various assets of the obligor, including properties, bank accounts, life insurance policies, retirement plans, and personal injury claims, to secure payment of the child support owed. These measures are intended to compel compliance with child support orders and ensure that children receive the financial support they are entitled to.