What Are the Penalties for Not Paying Child Support in Georgia?

Child Support

Feb 23, 2026 | Content

Divorce significantly impacts your personal finances in most cases, and beyond a potentially reduced household income, child support can also take a chunk out of your paycheck each month. This court-ordered obligation is calculated using the “Income Shares Model” (O.C.G.A. §19-6-15), which combines both parents’ gross incomes to determine a support amount.

However, child support laws are often confusing, frustrating, and complex, as they involve intricate, state-specific guidelines. If you do not pay the correct amounts at the designated times, you can face legal consequences. Stick with us to learn what those penalties are in Georgia.

Enforcement Penalties for Unpaid Child Support in Georgia

There are several potential penalties for failing to pay child support in Georgia, including contempt of court. A judge may order the non-paying parent to pay the outstanding amounts and legal fees, or face imprisonment until they comply. If child support payments are more than 60 days late, the state can suspend your driver’s, professional, or sporting licenses, and your passport applications may be denied.

You may also face wage garnishment of up to 50 percent of your earnings, even if you are collecting unemployment or worker’s compensation benefits. Your federal and state tax refunds can be seized to pay back child support and any delinquent payments will likely show up on your credit bureau report.

Can You Be Held Criminally Responsible for Not Paying Child Support?

Yes. Failure to pay your court-ordered child support for more than 30 days can lead to a criminal abandonment warrant. If this happens to you, a judge may hand down a misdemeanor conviction. The aftermath of this verdict in Georgia includes up to 12 months in prison and a $1,000 fine. However, Georgia uses Parental Accountability Courts (PAC) to help chronic non-payers find jobs rather than being immediately incarcerated.

Does Unpaid Child Support Ever Go Away in Georgia?

No. There is no statute of limitations in Georgia for collecting unpaid child support. Past due payments never expire and continue to accrue interest at 18 percent per year. Even if the children are now adults, the custodial parent can file for child support that accumulated while they were minors.

The Deadbeat Parents Punishment Act (DPPA) is a federal law that has been on the books for nearly 30 years. This legislation applies to debts over $5,000 or unpaid for over a year and makes it a felony to willfully fail to pay support for a child that resides in another state or to travel across state lines to evade payment. Under this law, you can face federal prosecution, imprisonment, and mandatory restitution.

Connect With Us to Discuss the Penalties for Not Paying Child Support

Understanding what the penalties for not paying child support in Georgia are is just the first step in life after divorce. Let our skilled team of family law attorneys at Atlanta Divorce Law Group guide you through your child support responsibilities and more.

Connect with us today to discuss your questions around divorce, financial obligations, and division of marital property. Our firm stands ready to assist you through the process with compassion and professionalism. Set up your free consultation with our intake team today.

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What Are the Penalties for Not Paying Child Support in Georgia?

Enforcement Penalties for Unpaid Child Support in Georgia

Can You Be Held Criminally Responsible for Not Paying Child Support?

Does Unpaid Child Support Ever Go Away in Georgia?

Connect With Us to Discuss the Penalties for Not Paying Child Support

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