The consequences of failing to pay child support on time include interest and penalty amounts assessed by the child support services division of your state’s Office of Attorney General, the department of revenue, or other government agency responsible for enforcing child support payments on behalf of the state. Penalties may also include court action (civil and criminal contempt charges); suspension of the obligor’s driver’s license; reporting the delinquency to creditor reporting agencies; denial or suspension of the obligor’s passport privileges; and liens on the obligor’s properties, bank accounts, life insurance plans, retirement plans, personal injury claims, and other assets.

In Missouri, if an individual fails to pay child support on time, the Child Support Enforcement (CSE) program within the Missouri Department of Social Services can take several actions. Interest and penalties may be assessed on overdue payments. The CSE can also initiate court action, which may lead to civil or criminal contempt charges against the non-paying parent (obligor). Missouri law allows for the suspension of the obligor's driver's license, professional licenses, and recreational licenses for failure to pay child support. Additionally, the state can report the delinquency to credit reporting agencies, which can affect the obligor's credit score. The obligor's passport privileges may be denied or suspended, and liens can be placed on their property, bank accounts, life insurance, retirement plans, personal injury claims, and other assets to secure payment. These enforcement measures are designed to ensure compliance with child support obligations and to protect the financial interests of children.