How Georgia Collects Unpaid Child Support: Wage Garnishment, License Suspension and Passport Denial
If you don’t pay child support in Georgia, each installment becomes a judgment and a lien with 7% interest. It can be collected by income deduction, tax intercepts, license suspension once arrears reach 60 days of support, contempt and, above $2,500, passport denial.
What happens if you don’t pay child support in Georgia?
Each unpaid installment is a judgment and a lien and accrues interest. The Division of Child Support Services can notify employers of a wage assignment, send demand letters, use state and federal tax refund intercepts, start contempt proceedings, use liens, levies and seizures, seek warrants and use any other civil or administrative remedy for enforcing judgments (O.C.G.A. 19-11-18(a)). Federal law adds passport certification above $2,500.
Can Georgia garnish wages for unpaid child support?
When a court enters or modifies a support order, a separate income deduction order must be entered if one is not already in place, and the agency can issue an income deduction order without further court action, provided there is an opportunity for a hearing (19-6-32). Federal law limits garnishment for support: 50% if the person supports another spouse or child and 60% if not, rising to 55% and 65% for support more than 12 weeks overdue (15 U.S.C. 1673(b)).
| If the person | Limit | If support is more than 12 weeks overdue |
|---|---|---|
| Supporting a spouse or another child | 50% | 55% |
| Not supporting a spouse or another child | 60% | 65% |
Can unpaid child support become a lien?
Yes. A child support obligation unpaid in whole or in part is, as of the date it was due, a lien in favor of the obligee for the unpaid amount. The lien incorporates later obligations and, once recorded or registered, encumbers real and personal property and any interest in property the obligor has, including property acquired later (19-11-18(b)). The agency must send written notice of unpaid support at least once a year.
Can you lose a license for unpaid child support in Georgia?
A court enforcing a support order can order licensing entities to suspend a license or deny an application when it finds, by competent proof, that arrears equal or exceed the support due for 60 days and the obligor holds a driver, professional, business or hunting or fishing license or owns a registered vehicle (19-6-28.1(b)). Separately, the agency keeps a certified list of obligors more than 60 calendar days in arrears. The obligor gets notice and 20 days to comply or agree to pay, may request an administrative hearing within 20 days, and the licensing entity then acts (19-11-9.3). The agency also describes steps such as a payment of 20% of the past-due balance as options to avoid suspension (DCSS driver’s license page).
Can you go to jail?
A court can punish a respondent who violates a support order as for contempt. A contempt motion is served with a notice giving a hearing date no later than 30 days from service, unless good cause shows a later date, and service by mail with an acknowledgment is allowed (19-6-28).
What about passports?
States must have procedures to certify to the federal government individuals who owe arrears above $2,500; a passport can then be denied, revoked or limited (42 U.S.C. 652(k)). The Georgia arrears calculator warns when the unpaid principal passes that figure.
What should you do if you owe?
Respond to every notice within its deadline, contact the Division about a payment plan, add up the balance in the Georgia child support arrears calculator and, if your circumstances changed, file to modify because past installments cannot change.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if you don’t pay child support in Georgia?
Each installment becomes a judgment and a lien with 7% interest, collectible by income deduction, intercepts, license suspension and contempt.
How much of my paycheck can Georgia take for child support?
Federal law limits garnishment for support to 50% or 60% of disposable earnings, and 55% or 65% for support more than 12 weeks overdue.
When can a Georgia court suspend a license for unpaid child support?
When arrears equal or exceed the support due for 60 days and the obligor is licensed or applying for a license or registration.
How long do I have to respond to a Georgia license notice?
20 days from the date of mailing to comply or reach an agreement, or to request an administrative hearing.
When can the passport of a Georgia parent who owes child support be denied?
When arrears above $2,500 are certified under federal law.
Official sources
- O.C.G.A. 7-4-12.1: interest on Title 19 awards
- O.C.G.A. 19-6-17: judgments by operation of law
- O.C.G.A. 19-11-18: arrearage collection and liens
- O.C.G.A. 19-6-28.1: license suspension by the court
- O.C.G.A. 19-11-9.3: license suspension by the agency
- Georgia Division of Child Support Services: interest on child support judgments
- 42 U.S.C. 652(k): denial of passports
- O.C.G.A. 19-6-32: income deduction orders
- O.C.G.A. 19-6-28: enforcement and contempt
- 15 U.S.C. 1673: restriction on garnishment
A local family law attorney can review your situation — many offer a free consultation.
This is general information, not legal advice. It is based on the cited Georgia statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Georgia attorney.