Whether you pay child support through income withholding or receive payments from your child’s other parent through this method, it is important to go over various issues on this topic. Failure to pay child support on time can result in harsh penalties, and you should have a clear understanding of your rights and the responsibilities in front of you.
Income withholding can serve as a convenient way to fulfill child support obligations, but it is crucial to go over the ins and outs of how withholding orders work.
Income withholding and employer responsibilities
The Florida Courts says that employers have to deduct the amount of child support outlined in an income withholding order from the parent’s income. Employers must start income withholding by the first payment within 14 days of receiving an income withholding order. An employer can take $5 out of a parent’s income as reimbursement for the first deduction, and $2 for every later deduction.
If an employer fires, refuses to hire or disciplines a parent as a result of income deduction, they could face consequences in court.
Other income withholding issues
It is also important to realize that income withholding will keep going if you still have to pay child support arrears, even if your child becomes emancipated. In addition, if you lose your job, your employer will no longer withhold child support. If this occurs, you should immediately explore your options. Aside from income withholding, you could pay child support in other ways, and you may want to review modifying your order.
