What Happens If the Other Parent Doesn’t Pay Court-Ordered Child Support?

Written By Adelyn Wang

If a parent fails to pay court-ordered child support, the order is still enforceable—even if it was issued as part of a DVRO case. Unpaid child support becomes arrears and automatically accrues 10% interest per year under Code of Civil Procedure § 685.010.

You can enforce unpaid support through:

  • Wage garnishment,

  • Bank levies,

  • Tax refund interceptions, or

  • Referral to Department of Child Support Services (DCSS).

If the child support order was issued using form FL-342 or DV-145, it’s legally binding. You can ask the court or DCSS to help you collect what you’re owed—even years later. There is no statute of limitations on collecting unpaid support in California (Family Code § 4502).

Even in cases involving domestic violence, survivors have the right to pursue the financial support their child is entitled to.

Adelyn Wang
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