It seems that I always have difficulty receiving the regular support payments. Are there any other alternatives to enforcement besides an income attachment?

Yes, Other methods of collection are:

  • Freezing and seizing bank accounts
  • Interception of lottery winnings
  • Judgments
  • Possible publication of names and delinquent arrears in local newspapers
  • Seizure of IRS refunds
  • Seizure of state income tax refunds
  • Submission to credit bureaus
  • Suspension of driver's license
  • Suspension of professional licenses or the self-employed Defendant

If certain Federal criteria is met, all Child Support cases with arrears of $150 or more owed to the Department of Public Assistance and $500 or more owed to the Plaintiff, will automatically be submitted, on an annual basis, for the IRS Tax Refund Offset Program (TROP).

The DRS may also seek a Petition for Contempt of Court for a Defendant who willfully fails to comply with the existing Support Order (financial, medical, etc.) or refuses to seek employment or job training. If the Court finds the Defendant to be in contempt, he / she may be committed to jail, placed on probation or fined. (The Court may impose all three). If a Defendant does not appear for their hearing, a Bench Warrant can be issued for his / her immediate arrest.

Show All Answers

1. What should I do if I do not receive my child support?
2. How long will it take to enforce an order of support after I lodge my complaint?
3. Is it necessary to attach my income even though I pay my support in a timely fashion?
4. What happens if the defendant quits their job and/or moves out of Luzerne County?
5. I have a court order but the defendant will not pay his or her share of medical expenses as ordered. What do I do?
6. Who submits the bills to the insurance company?
7. It seems that I always have difficulty receiving the regular support payments. Are there any other alternatives to enforcement besides an income attachment?
8. Can my employer fire me because I have an income attachment?