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 Iowa, failing to pay child support on time can result in various penalties enforced by the Iowa Child Support Recovery Unit (CSRU), which operates under the Iowa Department of Human Services. Interest may accrue on unpaid child support. The CSRU can take enforcement actions such as income withholding, tax refund intercepts, and reporting delinquencies to credit bureaus. Additionally, non-payment can lead to the suspension of driver's, professional, and recreational licenses. The state may also deny or revoke passports, place liens on property, and seize assets. In severe cases, the non-paying parent (obligor) could face contempt of court charges, which can be civil or criminal, potentially leading to fines or imprisonment. It's important for obligors to understand these consequences and seek legal advice from an attorney if they are unable to meet their child support obligations.