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 Illinois, failing to pay child support on time can result in various penalties enforced by the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) Division of Child Support Services (DCSS). Interest may accrue on unpaid child support at a rate set by state law. The DCSS has the authority to take enforcement actions such as suspending the non-paying parent's driver's license, professional licenses, and recreational licenses. They can also report the delinquency to credit bureaus, intercept tax refunds, place liens on property, and seize assets. In severe cases, non-payment can lead to contempt of court charges, which can be either civil or criminal, potentially resulting in fines or imprisonment. Additionally, the state can deny, restrict, or revoke passports to enforce child support obligations. It's important for individuals facing difficulties in making timely payments to seek legal advice from an attorney to understand their options and to avoid these serious consequences.