What Happens If You Don’t Pay Child Support?
Aug. 16, 2025
When families go through separation or divorce, child support can be one of the most emotionally charged and legally complicated issues to manage. For many parents, it's not just about finances—it’s about making sure their children are properly cared for, even during difficult transitions.
At the same time, the reality of making regular payments can feel overwhelming, especially when you're facing financial hardship, job loss, or unexpected life changes. Falling behind on child support doesn’t make someone a bad parent, but it can lead to serious legal and personal consequences that are important to understand.
That’s why it’s essential to know exactly what happens if you don’t pay child support—and what options might be available. Remember, in Missouri, the legal system takes child support enforcement seriously.
Joseph A. DeWoskin, P.C., guides clients on child support and other family law matters with clarity and compassion. When you work with the firm, they will explain potential legal outcomes and enforcement measures. Located in Kansas City, Kansas, the firm serves Johnson County, Leavenworth County, and Wyandotte County in Kansas, as well as Jackson County, Cass County, Clay County, and Platte County in Missouri. Call now to schedule a consultation.
Child Support Obligations in Kansas and Missouri
In both Kansas and Missouri, child support is determined based on the best interests of the child, taking into account each parent’s financial ability to contribute. While the laws differ slightly between the two states, the underlying goal remains the same: to make sure children receive the financial support they need to thrive.
In Missouri, child support is typically calculated using Form 14, which considers income, health insurance costs, daycare expenses, and parenting time.
In Kansas, the state uses a child support worksheet based on the Kansas Child Support Guidelines, which include similar factors such as parental income, child-related expenses, and custody arrangements.
Once the court issues a child support order—whether in Kansas or Missouri—it becomes legally binding. Payments must be made in full and on time. Support typically continues until the child turns 18 (or 21 in Missouri if the child is still in high school, or 19 in Kansas under similar conditions).
Courts in both states take enforcement seriously, especially when non-payment threatens the financial stability of the child’s household.
How Child Support Is Collected in Kansas and Missouri
In Missouri, the Family Support Division (FSD) manages the collection and distribution of child support, primarily through income withholding. Similarly, in Kansas, the Kansas Payment Center (KPC) handles payments, also relying on income withholding from employers.
Both states allow payments through various methods: online, by mail, or through authorized services. Regardless of the method, missing payments can trigger enforcement measures quickly.
Common Reasons Parents Fall Behind
Falling behind on child support isn’t always intentional. Many parents face unexpected hardships like job loss, medical emergencies, or a significant shift in financial responsibilities. Others may not realize they can request a modification of their support order when circumstances change.
Joseph A. DeWoskin, P.C., has worked with clients throughout Kansas and Missouri who found themselves behind simply because they didn’t know where to turn.
However, it's essential to note that neither Kansas nor Missouri will automatically adjust your support order. Until a court officially modifies the order, the full amount remains due.
Consequences of Not Paying Child Support
Both Kansas and Missouri use a variety of tools to enforce child support. The consequences for non-payment are serious, impacting you both financially and personally, and they become more severe the longer the support is overdue.
Legal and Financial Penalties
In either state, failure to pay can result in:
Wage garnishment beyond the regular income withholding
Interception of tax refunds
Seizure of bank accounts
Liens on property, including real estate and vehicles
Suspension of driver’s, professional, and recreational licenses
Reporting to credit bureaus, which lowers credit scores
In more severe cases, the court can hold a parent in contempt, leading to jail time.
Contempt of Court Proceedings
If a parent continually fails to meet their support obligations, the court may issue a contempt citation, requiring them to appear and explain their failure to pay. Judges in both states can impose fines, incarceration, or both if they believe the failure to pay was willful.
Joseph A. DeWoskin, P.C., has helped clients present evidence of genuine hardship and worked with the courts to establish reasonable repayment plans or seek temporary relief.
Criminal Charges for Non-Payment
In Missouri, chronic non-payment may result in criminal nonsupport charges, which can be classified as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the amount owed. In Kansas, willful non-payment can also result in criminal prosecution under similar guidelines.
These charges can carry long-term consequences, including jail time, probation, and a lasting criminal record that can further complicate a parent’s ability to work and support their child.
Impact on Parenting Time and Custody
Not paying child support won’t automatically revoke parenting rights, but it can affect other custody-related decisions. Courts in both states may consider a parent’s payment history when determining custody modifications or visitation changes, particularly if a pattern of neglect is shown.
State Enforcement Tools
Here are some of the enforcement actions either state may take:
Income withholding orders and wage garnishment
Bank account seizures
Interception of federal and state tax refunds
Liens against real property and personal property
Suspension of driver’s and occupational licenses
Denial of passport applications or renewal
Negative credit reporting to the three major credit bureaus
Contempt of court proceedings with possible jail time
Criminal nonsupport charges
Seizure of lottery winnings
These measures are designed to compel payment and protect the child’s right to financial support.
Defenses Against Child Support Enforcement Actions
Not every case of missed child support is due to willful neglect. Sometimes payments have been made but not properly recorded, or a parent may be facing severe physical or medical limitations.
In such cases, it's important to gather documentation, witness testimony, or financial records to build a defense. Joseph A. DeWoskin, P.C., assists clients in challenging inaccurate arrears, presenting valid defenses, and collaborating with the court to achieve practical solutions.
Modifying a Child Support Order
If your financial situation has changed significantly—due to job loss, disability, or a change in custody—you may qualify for a modification. Both Kansas and Missouri allow changes when there's a substantial and continuing change in circumstances.
However, modifications aren’t retroactive. Any unpaid support up until the date the modification is granted will still be owed. That’s why it’s critical to act early and get legal help.
Avoiding Enforcement Actions
Being proactive is key. If you're struggling to make payments, don’t wait for enforcement to begin. Contacting an attorney and filing for a modification can protect your rights and reduce the risk of harsh penalties.
Reach Out Today
Failing to pay child support in Missouri and Kansas can result in severe legal, financial, and personal consequences. From wage garnishment to possible jail time, the state has multiple tools to enforce payment and protect children’s rights.
Joseph A. DeWoskin, P.C., understands the challenges parents face and works to address both enforcement and defense issues within the structure of Missouri family law.
Whether the goal is to collect overdue support or defend against enforcement actions, working with a knowledgeable attorney can significantly improve the outcome. Located in Kansas City, Kansas, the firm serves Johnson County, Leavenworth County, and Wyandotte County in Kansas, as well as Jackson County, Cass County, Clay County, and Platte County in Missouri. Schedule a consultation today.