A person may be expecting a large tax refund, but may find that taken by the government or back support. The tax refund intercept program is responsible for the collection of millions of dollars in support each year. State lotteries, which would not appear to have much to do with child support, provide another avenue for collection. When a deadbeat parent accumulates a large arrearage, but then wins big in the lottery, the state can step in and take the winnings. Many people have thought that they finally have struck it rich, only to discover that their neglected children will be enjoying he fruits of their good fortune.
States can also intervene in child support cases in a number of other means.
Driver s licenses can be suspended. Professional licenses can be denied to doctors, lawyers, and accountants who fail to pay as ordered. Liens can be filed against real estate, cars, boats and other property. Courts may order the seizure of pensions and annuities. Even the estates of deceased parents are subject to child support collection.