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 North Carolina, if an individual fails to pay child support on time, the Child Support Services division can enforce a variety of penalties. Interest may accrue on unpaid child support at the legal rate set by state law. The state can take civil action to collect overdue payments, which may include the issuance of a court order for payment. Non-payment can lead to contempt of court charges, which can be either civil or criminal. Civil contempt can result in fines or jail time until the overdue amount is paid, while criminal contempt can lead to more severe penalties. The state can also suspend the delinquent parent's driver's license, professional licenses, and even hunting or fishing licenses. Delinquency in child support payments can be reported to credit bureaus, affecting the obligor's credit score. Passport privileges may be denied or suspended for those who owe more than $2,500 in child support. Additionally, liens can be placed on the obligor's property, bank accounts, and other assets, including life insurance and retirement plans. The state may also intercept tax refunds, lottery winnings, and other government benefits to cover unpaid child support.