The consequences of failing to pay child support on time include interest and penalty amounts assessed by the child support services division of your state’s Office of Attorney General, the department of revenue, or other government agency responsible for enforcing child support payments on behalf of the state. Penalties may also include court action (civil and criminal contempt charges); suspension of the obligor’s driver’s license; reporting the delinquency to creditor reporting agencies; denial or suspension of the obligor’s passport privileges; and liens on the obligor’s properties, bank accounts, life insurance plans, retirement plans, personal injury claims, and other assets.

In Arkansas, if an individual fails to pay child support on time, they may face various penalties enforced by the Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE), which is part of the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration. Interest may accrue on unpaid child support at a rate set by state law. Additionally, the OCSE has the authority to take enforcement actions such as withholding income, intercepting tax refunds, suspending driver's and professional licenses, reporting delinquencies to credit bureaus, and initiating court actions that can lead to civil or criminal contempt charges. Passport privileges may be denied or suspended for those who owe a certain amount of past-due support. Liens can also be placed on properties, bank accounts, and other assets. The specific consequences and procedures are outlined in Arkansas state statutes and are subject to change, so it is important to consult with an attorney or the OCSE for current information and guidance.