When a non-custodial parent is ordered to provide child support, they’re required by law to make full payments on time. If the individual fails to make payments, Hawaii’s Child Support Enforcement Agency (CSEA) will take steps to obtain funds and redirect them to the proper recipient. To better illustrate this process and the consequences involved, here are some questions family attorneys often receive about child support collection issues.

4 FAQ About Past-Due Child Support Payments

What will happen if child support payments stop?

CSEA is dedicated to tracking and transferring payments between each party. If an owing parent has not made a payment, the agency’s system—known as KEIKI—will automatically flag the individual and collect the debts.

Although the custodial parent doesn’t need to do anything to initiate this process, they may hire a family attorney to help expedite the case and retrieve the funds faster.    

What steps can I take if I am behind on child support?

If you are past due on owed child support and want to avoid enforcement measures, inform the CSEA of your situation as soon as possible. At this point, you may be able to work with the agency to create a repayment plan. You can also hire a family attorney to help you request a modification of child support requirements through the CSEA.

How are payments enforced?

If a non-custodial parent doesn’t enter a repayment agreement with CSEA, the agency will retrieve funds through other means. Typically, a court order will be sent to the individual’s employer—including those out-of-state—to have the proper amount of income withheld until the balance is satisfied.

However, if the individual doesn’t qualify for income withholding, the CSEA may obtain a court order to withhold federal and state tax refunds. In other cases, the non-custodial parent’s other financial assets may be frozen and seized to recoup the debt.

What are the other potential consequences of non-payment?

Non-paying parents can face many other consequences beyond income withholding and asset seizure. For example, the individual may lose their driver’s license or have their passport privileges denied until the account is brought current or a repayment plan is established. The CSEA may also place a lien on real estate owned by the delinquent individual.  

If you’re having trouble collecting child support in Hawaii, Coates Frey Tanimoto & Gibson, AAL, will provide legal support to resolve the matter. Specializing in divorce and family law, this Oahu firm is familiar with CSEA operations and taking steps to retrieve or modify child support payments. Visit these family attorneys online to learn more about their services. For questions about your case, call the Honolulu, HI, office at (808) 524-4854 to schedule a free consultation.