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 Wisconsin, if an individual fails to pay child support on time, the Wisconsin Department of Children and Families (DCF) can enforce a variety of penalties. Interest may accrue on unpaid child support at a rate set by state law. The DCF can take actions such as withholding income, intercepting tax refunds, placing liens on property, and reporting delinquency to credit bureaus. Additionally, the non-paying parent, referred to as the obligor, may face suspension of their driver's license, professional licenses, and even their passport. The state can also initiate court actions, which can lead to civil or criminal contempt charges. In severe cases, non-payment of child support can result in jail time. The state's enforcement measures are designed to ensure that child support obligations are met and to provide consequences for those who fail to fulfill this responsibility.