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 Virginia, failing to pay child support on time can result in various penalties enforced by the Division of Child Support Enforcement (DCSE) under the Virginia Department of Social Services. Interest may accrue on unpaid child support. The DCSE has the authority to take enforcement actions such as income withholding, intercepting tax refunds, reporting delinquencies to credit bureaus, and suspending driver's, professional, and recreational licenses. Additionally, non-payment can lead to the denial or revocation of passports. The DCSE can also place liens on property and seize assets, including bank accounts and insurance settlements. In severe cases, the court may find the non-paying parent in civil or criminal contempt, which can result in fines or even jail time. It's important for obligors to understand these potential consequences and to seek legal advice from an attorney if they are unable to meet their child support obligations.