Struggling to Receive Child Support? Here’s What You Need to Know About Enforcement in Utah
Child support is essential for ensuring the well-being of a child, but unfortunately, not all parents comply with their court-ordered obligations. If you’re not receiving the support you’re entitled to, it’s important to understand how Utah enforces child support payments and what steps you can take to recover what’s owed.
How Does Utah Enforce Child Support?
The Utah Office of Recovery Services (ORS) is responsible for enforcing child support orders. If a parent falls behind on payments, ORS has several tools to ensure compliance, including:
- Wage Garnishment – Child support can be deducted directly from the paying parent’s paycheck.
- Interception of Tax Refunds – The state can seize federal or state tax refunds to cover unpaid support.
- Suspension of Licenses – Driver’s licenses, professional licenses, and even recreational licenses (such as hunting or fishing) can be suspended for non-payment.
- Liens on Property – ORS can place a lien on real estate, vehicles, or other valuable assets.
- Bank Account Seizure – Funds may be taken directly from the non-paying parent’s bank accounts.
- Contempt of Court Charges – The non-compliant parent may face legal action, including fines or jail time for continued failure to pay.
What Can You Do If You’re Not Getting Paid?
If you are not receiving court-ordered child support, you can take the following steps:
- Contact the Utah Office of Recovery Services (ORS) – They can track payments, enforce the order, and take legal action if necessary.
- File a Motion for Contempt – If ORS enforcement is not working, you can ask the court to hold the non-paying parent in contempt.
- Hire a Family Law Attorney – Legal representation can help speed up enforcement efforts and ensure you receive the financial support your child deserves.
We know this blog may raise more questions than it answers. If you need help enforcing a child support order in Utah, contact our firm today to discuss your options and protect your child’s financial future.