Legal Question in Family Law in Florida

unpaid child support

My 2 children are 19 and 20 now. Their father still owes

$24,000 in unpaid child support. I have been to court numerous times to try and collect but without success. Nothing has ever been done to make him pay.He pays what he wants, when he wants. How can I get the amount owed? What happens if I should pass away before it is paid off? Thank you.


Asked on 1/14/07, 8:20 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
Marie-Anne Oatley

Re: unpaid child support

How you can get the money depends on why you haven't gotten it yet in spite of the court appearances. Additionally, the age of the children is irrelevant to a collection of arrearage of child support because it is a "vested property right." Finally, there is at least one case in which the payment obligation survived the death of the custodial parent (again, it is a vested property right).

I think that because he is making payments and because the court will not order him to pay more than he has the ability to pay, you will not get a lump sum for what he owes you. By now, you should have orders for garnishment, liens, etc.

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Answered on 1/19/07, 2:23 pm
David Slater David P. Slater, Esq.

Re: unpaid child support

have it entered as a money judgment.

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Answered on 1/15/07, 7:37 am


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