Child support enforcement can be a major concern for many families in Virginia struggling to cover everyday expenses while a delinquent parent refuses to pay court-ordered child support. Because the failure to pay support can lead to a difficult life for many children, enforcement has become a major priority for federal and state agencies. One of the most frequently used mechanisms for enforcing the payment of overdue child support is through wage garnishment or payroll deductions processed at the delinquent parent’s workplace.
Child support, like other family law matters, are handled by state agencies at a local level. However, the federal Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) strives to coordinate and improve these efforts for a higher success rate in enforcement cases. The efforts have been highly successful. In fiscal year 2016, $33 billion in child support payments were collected through the system, and 75 percent of these payments were brought in through payroll withholding. In order to further enhance the process, the OCSE is working with employers, state agencies and payroll companies to make a more effective system.
Employment verification is often the first step in the enforcement process and is typically handled by third-party processors. Contrary to the law, the bills for verification are often passed on to state agencies rather than the employers. The OCSE is working to ensure that all of the requests made are necessary and that billing is properly directed, putting a stop to unnecessary delays.
Payroll deductions are only one of the ways that states and people can act to enforce an existing child support order. Parents who are dealing with delinquent payments and struggling to cover costs can consult with a collaborative family law attorney. A lawyer can advise individuals about the next steps they should take in order to help secure the child support to which their kids are entitled.