Apr. 20, 2026
What Options Are Available if Your Ex Stops Paying Child Support
If your ex stops paying child support in North Carolina, you are not stuck waiting and hoping the payments restart on their own. You can ask North Carolina Child Support Services to enforce the order, or you can return to court and seek an order requiring compliance, including contempt remedies and other enforcement measures authorized by state law. At Mercedes O. Chut, P.A., our child support attorney in Greensboro helps ex-spouses deal with missed child support by providing clear guidance on the practical options if their ex stops paying child support.
Option 1: Work Through North Carolina Child Support Services
One of the first options available is working through North Carolina Child Support Services (CSS). CSS helps with the enforcement of child support orders through a statewide system of local offices, and its services include collection and enforcement for families that need help getting court-ordered support paid. This route can be useful when the other parent has become inconsistent, has moved, or has simply ignored the order.
Option 2: Ask the Court for a Show Cause or Contempt Hearing
North Carolina law also allows the court to address nonpayment directly. Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 50-13.9, a court may require the obligor to appear and show cause why they should not be subjected to income withholding or held in contempt for failing to comply with a child support order. North Carolina court forms specifically provide for a motion and order to show cause in child support matters.
In general, civil contempt requires more than mere nonpayment. The court looks at whether the order remains in force, whether compliance can still serve the order’s purpose, whether the noncompliance is willful, and whether the person is able to comply or able to take reasonable measures that would allow compliance.
Option 3: Withholding Wage
Income withholding is one of the most common child support enforcement remedies. North Carolina materials often describe the state rule in terms of exempting part of disposable earnings in judicial actions, while federal child support withholding limits under the Consumer Credit Protection Act frequently set the practical ceiling employers apply. Federal guidance explains that up to 50% or 60% of disposable income may be withheld for support, with the percentage increasing to 55% or 65% when arrears are involved.
Option 4: Tax Refund Intercepts
North Carolina DHHS states that enforcement can include interception of tax refunds, and North Carolina’s debt setoff laws support the use of tax refund offsets for qualifying debts.
Option 5: Driver’s License Suspension
License consequences are also possible. The North Carolina Child Support Handbook states that if a noncustodial parent is 90 days behind, a judge may order revocation of a driver’s license, and professional licenses may also be affected.
Option 6: Place Liens on Property
North Carolina law also recognizes liens for overdue child support. Under G.S. 44-86, a general lien may arise against the real and personal property of a person delinquent in paying court-ordered child support, subject to statutory procedures and definitions.
Option 7: Jail Time
Parents often ask whether a person can go to jail for not paying child support. North Carolina DHHS confirms that court action can result in jail time, but that does not mean jail is automatic or appropriate in every case.
Jail in this setting is generally meant to compel compliance, not simply punish past conduct. If the court believes the nonpaying parent has the means to pay and is refusing, the consequences can be severe.
Get an Attorney in Greensboro to Enforce Child Support Payments
Not every child support case should be handled the same way. When support payments stop, a delay usually makes the problem harder to fix. A missed payment can turn into months of arrears, and once that happens, the case may involve withholding, contempt proceedings, tax refund intercepts, suspended licenses, or liens on property under North Carolina law.
For parents weighing their options if their ex stops paying child support, early legal guidance from our Greensboro family law attorney at Mercedes O. Chut, P.A. can make a meaningful difference for you and your child.
Contact our office today for a consultation on what’s the best option you can take to pursue your ex’s unpaid child support in North Carolina.
