How Wyoming Collects Unpaid Child Support: Wage Garnishment, License Suspension and Passport Denial
If you don’t pay child support in Wyoming, each installment becomes a judgment with a 10% penalty after 32 days, and the state can withhold pay, suspend licenses, file liens, seek contempt and deny a passport.
What happens if you don’t pay child support in Wyoming?
Each unpaid installment becomes a judgment by operation of law with a 10% penalty after 32 days (Wyo. Stat. 1-16-102, 1-16-103). The state judicial branch lists the measures that may follow: income withholding, suspension of driver’s, commercial, professional, occupational or recreational licenses, civil contempt or criminal nonsupport with possible jail, passport denial or revocation, credit reporting, liens, tax refund seizure, and bonds or security (Wyoming Judicial Branch).
How much can Wyoming take from my paycheck?
No more than 50% if the paying parent has another family, or 60% if not, and 5 points more if payments are 12 weeks or more overdue (Wyoming Judicial Branch; 15 U.S.C. 1673).
| Situation | Limit |
|---|---|
| Paying parent has another family | 50% (55% if 12 weeks or more overdue) |
| Paying parent has no other family | 60% (65% if 12 weeks or more overdue) |
Is withholding automatic?
In most child support actions the court enters an income withholding order when it issues the support order, and the money is taken from the paycheck right away; parents can ask the court to approve a written alternative arrangement, or for a delay, with very good reason (Wyoming Judicial Branch).
Can they raise my monthly payment for arrears?
Yes. The court on its own motion, or the department without petitioning the court, may increase monthly child support payments to include arrearage amounts, and you must get a reasonable chance to contest the department’s action (20-2-311(c)).
Can the state take my tax refund?
Yes. Seizing a parent’s tax refund is one of the listed enforcement measures (Wyoming Judicial Branch).
Can they require a bond?
Yes. A noncustodial parent can be required to post a bond, security or guarantee that support will be paid (Wyoming Judicial Branch).
How do I enforce an order myself?
You can file a motion to show cause using the court’s self-help packet, or ask the Child Support Program, which represents the state and not you, for free or low-cost help (Wyoming Judicial Branch).
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 Wyoming arrears calculator warns when the unpaid principal passes that figure.
What should you do if you owe?
Respond to every notice, ask for a payment arrangement, add up the balance in the Wyoming child support arrears calculator and, if your circumstances changed, file to modify right away.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if you don’t pay child support in Wyoming?
Installments become judgments with a 10% penalty, wages can be withheld and licenses suspended.
How much of my paycheck can Wyoming take for child support?
50% or 60%, and 5 points more if 12 weeks or more overdue.
Can Wyoming jail me for unpaid child support?
Civil contempt or criminal nonsupport can include jail.
Can Wyoming suspend my hunting license for unpaid child support?
Yes. Recreational licenses, such as hunting, can be suspended.
When can the passport of a Wyoming parent who owes child support be denied?
When arrears above $2,500 are certified under federal law.
Official sources
- Wyo. Stat. 1-16-102 and 1-16-103: interest and penalty
- Wyo. Stat. 1-16-102: interest on judgments
- Wyo. Stat. 20-2-311: adjustment; arrears in payments
- Wyoming Judicial Branch: child support common questions
- Wyoming Child Support Program policy manual 9.10: judgments
- 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 Wyoming statutes, rules and court opinions, and every case turns on its own facts. Confirm how the law applies to your situation with a licensed Wyoming attorney.