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 California, failing to pay child support on time can result in various penalties and enforcement actions. The California Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) is responsible for enforcing child support orders. Interest accrues on unpaid child support at a legal rate, which can significantly increase the amount owed over time. The DCSS can take civil enforcement actions such as wage garnishment, intercepting tax refunds, placing liens on property, and seizing bank accounts. Additionally, the DCSS can report delinquencies to credit bureaus, which can affect the obligor's credit score. For severe cases, the obligor may face criminal charges, leading to fines or imprisonment. The state can also suspend the obligor's driver's license, professional licenses, and recreational licenses. Passport denial is another consequence for those who owe more than $2,500 in child support. These measures are intended to compel compliance with child support obligations and ensure that children receive the financial support they are entitled to.