Unpaid child support adds up as a debt called an arrearage. This debt collects interest. The consequences of unpaid support are very serious and may include:

• Jail time;
• Suspension of your driver's license;
• Liens on your property; and
• Interception of your state and federal income tax returns.

You cannot be denied decision-making responsibility or parenting time with a child just because of child support. However, a judge may consider your unwillingness or inability to pay when making these decisions. You may be required to pay child support even without a prior court order for parental responsibility.

If the paying parent’s income is at or below 75% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (for a one-person family), the court will order a $40/month child support obligation per child. The total monthly obligation for such a paying parent is capped at $120. So, even if that parent is paying for the support of 4 children, the paying parent will only have to pay $120 every month—not $160.

If the paying parent has no income for reasons that are beyond their control, then the court will not require them to pay any support. For example, they cannot work because of disability or incarceration. In that case, the judge will order them to pay $0.

For more information, please read Forcing a parent to pay child support.