How Oregon Collects Unpaid Child Support: Wage Garnishment, License Suspension and Passport Denial
If you don’t pay child support in Oregon, wages can be withheld, a lien can attach to your personal property, and licenses can be suspended when arrears reach the greater of three months of support or $2,500 without an agreement.
What happens if you don’t pay child support in Oregon?
Support orders must include income withholding, and it also starts when an obligor fails to pay at least one month of support (ORS 25.378). A judgment for unpaid support creates a lien by operation of law on personal property, which can be recorded with the county clerk and foreclosed (25.670, 25.690).
How much can Oregon take from my paycheck?
Withholding is capped by federal law: 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?
Occupational and professional licenses, annual liquor and cannabis licenses, driver licenses and permits and recreational hunting and fishing licenses are subject to suspension when the agency enforces the case and the party is in arrears in an amount equal to the greater of three months of support or $2,500, and has not entered an agreement or is not complying with one (25.750).
How long do I have to respond?
The agency sends a notice, and if you contact it within 30 days you can enter an agreement; the only grounds to contest are that the arrears are not greater than three months or $2,500, a mistake of identity, or compliance with a subpoena (25.759, 25.762). If you do not contact the agency or break the agreement, it tells the issuing entity to suspend the license (25.762).
Can a payment agreement stop suspension?
Yes. The agency and the obligor can enter an agreement under the Department of Justice rules; compliance with it prevents suspension (25.762). Ask for it in writing and keep every receipt.
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 Oregon arrears calculator warns when the unpaid principal passes that figure.
What about the delinquency rule and withholding?
A payment is delinquent after one month, but withholding can start when you miss one month’s support (25.166(4); 25.378(2)). Pay before the month ends to avoid it.
Can they take a tax refund or bank money?
We did not read the statutes for those tools, so we are not stating the terms. Ask the Division of Child Support which collection tools apply to your case and how to protect exempt funds.
Can a court use my bail deposit?
Yes. A court can order that the part of a security deposit that would be returned, or the amount of arrearages, whichever is less, be paid to the obligee or the Division of Child Support (25.715).
What should you do if you owe?
Respond to every notice within 30 days, ask for a payment agreement, add up the balance in the Oregon child support arrears calculator and, if your circumstances changed, serve a motion to modify right away.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if you don’t pay child support in Oregon?
Income withholding, a lien on personal property, license suspension and passport denial can follow.
How much of my paycheck can Oregon 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.
How long do I have to respond to an Oregon license suspension notice?
Thirty days from the date of the notice, to enter an agreement or contest on the narrow grounds.
Can I stop an Oregon license suspension with a payment agreement?
Yes, while you comply with it.
When can the passport of an Oregon parent who owes child support be denied?
When arrears above $2,500 are certified under federal law.
Official sources
- ORS 82.010: legal rate of interest
- ORS chapter 25: delinquency, withholding, liens and licenses
- ORS 107.135: finality of accrued support
- OAR 137-055-3220: past support
- 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 Oregon statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Oregon attorney.