How Mississippi Collects Unpaid Child Support: Wage Garnishment, License Suspension and Passport Denial
If you don’t pay child support in Mississippi, a judgment and lien arise after 30 days unpaid, DHS can seize unemployment, bank accounts and other assets, add 20% to withholding, and suspend a license 90 days after a notice unless you pay or agree to a schedule.
What happens if you don’t pay child support in Mississippi?
After 30 days unpaid, a judgment arises for everything due, with a lien on all real and personal property (Miss. Code 93-11-71). DHS can seize listed assets, withhold income, suspend licenses and refer for contempt, and the court can require a bond or other security (93-11-65(3)).
What can be seized without a court judgment roll entry?
A support judgment subjects these to interception or seizure without regard to enrollment: periodic or lump-sum payments from a government agency including unemployment and workers’ compensation; gaming winnings paid over more than 30 days; assets in financial institutions; civil settlements and awards; qualified retirement distributions the obligor receives; lump-sum payments; and unclaimed property (93-11-71(3)).
Can Mississippi garnish wages?
Yes. DHS can issue an administrative order for withholding without going to court; it directs the payor to withhold the current support plus an additional 20% of it until the delinquency is paid, within the federal limits (93-11-105). Federal law sets those limits: 50% or 60%, and 55% or 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% |
When can a license be suspended?
A licensee at least 30 days in arrears is out of compliance (93-11-153). DHS then sends first-class mail notice that in 90 days the licensing entity will be told to suspend the license unless the arrearage is paid or a stipulated agreement and agreed judgment sets a payment schedule. In the meantime the licensee can request a review limited to whether he or she is the person required to pay and whether the order is being met, or negotiate a schedule; payments under the schedule are in addition to ongoing support (93-11-157).
Which licenses are covered?
Any license, certificate, permit or registration issued by a licensing entity that lets a person engage in a business, occupation or profession, operate a motor vehicle, sell alcoholic beverages or hunt and fish, with the Supreme Court as the entity for attorneys (93-11-153). After suspension the licensee has 30 days to appeal to chancery court on a $200 bond.
Can you be jailed?
A person found in contempt for failure to pay support can be imprisoned, and the court may refer the person to a restitution, house arrest or restorative justice program if qualified (93-5-23).
What about passports?
If a state agency certifies that a person owes child support arrearages of more than $2,500, federal law requires refusal of a passport (42 U.S.C. 652(k)). The Mississippi arrears calculator warns when the unpaid principal passes that figure.
What if you break a payment schedule?
If a licensee who signed a stipulated agreement and agreed judgment later falls out of compliance, DHS tells the licensing entity to suspend the license immediately and without a hearing, and notice follows within three business days (93-11-157(9)). Keep every payment on time.
What if the child gets TANF?
If the child receives TANF and the obligor owes past-due support, a court can require an obligor who is not incapacitated to take part in work programs offered by a state agency (93-11-71(5)).
What should you do if you owe?
Respond to every notice inside its window, ask DHS for a stipulated payment schedule before 90 days run out, add up the balance in the Mississippi child support arrears calculator and, if your circumstances changed, file a petition to modify right away.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if you don’t pay child support in Mississippi?
After 30 days a judgment and lien arise, and DHS can seize listed assets, withhold income and suspend licenses.
How much of my paycheck can Mississippi take for child support?
Federal law limits it to 50% or 60% of disposable earnings, and 55% or 65% for support more than 12 weeks overdue; DHS withholding adds 20% of the current support toward arrears.
How long do I have to avoid a Mississippi license suspension?
Ninety days after you receive the notice, to pay or agree to a payment schedule.
Can I appeal a Mississippi license suspension?
Yes, within 30 days to chancery court, on a $200 bond.
When can the passport of a Mississippi parent who owes child support be denied?
When arrears above $2,500 are certified under federal law.
Official sources
- Miss. Code 93-11-71: judgment by operation of law; liens; seizure
- Miss. Code 75-17-7: interest on judgments
- Miss. Code 93-11-153: license suspension definitions
- Miss. Code 93-11-157: license suspension procedure
- Miss. Code 93-11-105: administrative withholding
- Miss. Code 93-11-65: security; emancipation
- 15 U.S.C. 1673: restriction on garnishment
- 42 U.S.C. 652(k): denial of passports
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 Mississippi statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Mississippi attorney.