A finding of contempt of court can result in a fine, a jail term, or both. If the parent cannot pay support for a good reason, such as loss of a job without fault of the parent, a court will not find the parent in contempt, but the obligation to pay support continues. To enforce child support orders when the child lives in one state and the obligor lives in another state, the laws can be used to establish support orders and collect payments. State's attorneys or district attorneys are available to help with collection of child support, though their efficiency varies from district to district. Some parents to whom support is due have complained of delays in handling of support claims.
States attorneys provide their services at no costs to parents who are receiving public aid.
Private attorneys can help parents with collection of child support. The attorney's normal rates will apply, although some attorneys may be willing the handle the case for a contingency fee , which means the lawyer will take a portion of whatever is collected, but the client will not have to pay the attorney if nothing is collected. The permissibility of contingency fees to collect past-due support varies from state to state. The amount of the contingency fee also varies, but a payment to the attorney of one-third of the amount collected is a common arrangement. Attorney fees also can be assessed against the party who was supposed to pay support, but did not.