Mary Smith’s divorce was final and she hoped her headaches were over. The court had ordered her ex-husband to make monthly payments in support of their two children, and although the amount of support was not much, Mary expected the money would help her in paying for the children’s clothing, food, and shelter. Unfortunately Mary’s headaches just began. When Mary’s ex-husband did pay support, which was rare, it was always late, and never the full amount. As a result, Mary was forced to bear the responsibility of supporting their children alone. Does Mary’s story sound familiar?Unfortunately, Mary’s story is all too familiar. Custodial parents throughout the nation are not receiving court ordered child support, and as a result millions of children are not provided for in the manner they deserve. Moreover, custodial parents routinely give up in their quest to receive support, which is tragic, considering the enforcement methods available to them.

In this article we will explore the various methods available in the collection of child support and discuss the importance of vigorously pursuing such matters.

First of all, custodial parents should know that there are a variety of enforcement mechanisms provided by law to assist in the collection of child support. The following list constitutes some of the tools that are available to custodial parents:

Wage AssignmentAn earnings assignment order for support, commonly referred to as a “wage assignment,” is available for enforcement of child and spousal support orders, and is probably the most effective and commonly used enforcement method. An earnings assignment order for support is binding on an employer of the obligor on whom it is served, regardless of whether the obligor was employed by that employer when the order was issued and regardless of whether the obligor was employed by that employer when the order was issued and regardless of whether the order lacks identifying information about the employer or includes incorrect information about the employer. California Family Code, Section 5231.

Earnings assignment orders for support must require that the obligor notify the obligee of any change of employment, and of the name and address of the new employer, within ten days after obtaining new employment. California Family Code, Section 5281.

Writ of ExecutionA writ of execution is an order to a county’s levying officer (i.e., its sheriff or marshal), or to a registered process server, to obtain satisfaction of a judgment for a judgment creditor. The writ may be executed by (1) seizing funds of the judgment debtor and delivering them to the judgment creditor, (2) seizing and delivering real or tangible personal property, or (3) seizing and selling real or tangible personal property and delivering the proceeds.

Judgment Lien on Real PropertyA judgment lien on real property to enforce a money judgment may be created by recordation. The particular document to be recorded depends on the nature of the money judgment being enforced. When the underlying money judgment is an order for child, spousal, or family support payable in installments, the lien is usually created by recording an Abstract of Support Judgment. The judgment lien is simple and sometimes very effective enforcement method that should not be overlooked. The benefit from the lien is usually realized when the judgment debtor attempts (1) to sell real property in a county in which the document is recorded or (2) to obtain a loan to be secured by real property located in such a county. The prospective acim now  or lender will probably insist that any liens be paid off.

Contempt ProceedingsBy statute, contempt proceedings are available to enforce any judgment or order made under the Family Code. If the contempt alleged is for failure to pay child, spousal, or family support, each month for which payment has not been made in full may alleged and punished as a separate count. The limitation period for such a failure is three years from the date the payment was due.

Deposit of Assets to Secure Child Support PaymentsIn an order or judgment requiring payment of child support, the court may also require, subject to certain restrictions, that the obligor pay up to one year’s child support, to be known as the “child support security deposit.” When making an order for payment of a child support security deposit the court must direct that the obligor deposit the amount in an interest-bearing account and subject to withdrawal only on court authorization. Furthermore, the court must order the obligor to supply evidence of the deposit.

Penalties for Unpaid Child SupportThe California Family Code provides for substantial monetary penalties for unpaid child support. The penalties are intended to be applied in “egregious instances of noncompliance with child support orders.”

Attorney’s feesThe California Family Code also provides that the court may order the non custodial parent pay attorney’s the custodial parent’s attorney’s fees for having to bring enforcement proceedings.

Don’t Sit on your Rights to Collect!One of the most important things a custodial parent should know about the enforcement of child support, is the serious risk in losing one’s right to collect if enforcement proceedings are not pursued in a timely fashion. During the past five years California courts have rendered numerous opinions holding the doctrine of laches applies to child and spousal support arrears and have precluded custodial parents from collecting where they have waited too long. (See Marriage of Plescia (1997) 59 CA4th 252.)

The doctrine of laches is an equitable defense that allows parents who have not paid child support to plead with the court to not enforce the arrears, since the custodial parent’s dely unfairly prejudiced them.