What Happens If My Ex Stops Paying Child Support in ND?
- Heartland
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
When your ex stops paying child support in ND, it can create serious stress and financial hardship. The good news is, you have legal remedies. North Dakota law requires both parents to provide for their children, and the courts—and the North Dakota Child Support Enforcement Unit (CSEU)—have strong tools to make sure payments continue.
This guide explains what happens when support stops, what enforcement looks like, and how a family law attorney can help protect your rights.
What Happens When Your Ex Stops Paying Child Support in ND
If your ex stops paying child support in ND, they’re violating a court order. Once a North Dakota judge issues a support order, it must be paid unless it’s formally modified. The North Dakota Child Support Guidelines set the amount based on income and custody.
Failure to pay means enforcement actions can begin right away, and interest starts to build on overdue amounts.
Child Support Orders in North Dakota
A child support order isn’t optional—it’s a court order. Once a North Dakota judge sets the amount, your ex must pay on time, every month. Payments are calculated using the North Dakota Child Support Guidelines, which factor in income, custody arrangements, and number of children.
If your ex stops paying child support in ND, they are violating a court order, and the state can step in.
What Enforcement Looks Like
When support payments stop, North Dakota has several enforcement options:
Wage Garnishment: Automatic deductions from paychecks.
License Suspension: Loss of driver’s, hunting, or professional licenses.
Tax Refund Intercept: Federal and state refunds applied to overdue support.
Bank Account Seizure: Direct withdrawal from accounts.
Contempt of Court: A judge may issue fines or jail time for willful nonpayment.
Going Back to Court
If your ex owes significant back child support, you may need to take them back to court in Burleigh County (Bismarck), Ward County (Minot), or another North Dakota county courthouse. Judges can order repayment of arrears plus interest and use contempt proceedings to compel compliance.
Can Child Support Be Changed?
Sometimes parents stop paying because they’ve lost a job or suffered financial hardship. But in North Dakota, payments do not stop automatically. Your ex must file for a modification through the court. Until the order is changed, they’re still required to pay in full.
Why You Need a Lawyer
The state’s enforcement unit can help, but working with a North Dakota family law attorney gives you stronger representation in court. At Heartland Law Office, we help parents across Bismarck, Minot, Williston, Fargo, Dickinson, and Grand Forks enforce support orders and ensure children receive what they’re entitled to.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happens if my ex stops paying child support in ND?
A: The state can garnish wages, suspend licenses, intercept tax refunds, or take them to court for contempt.
Q: Can my ex go to jail for not paying child support in North Dakota?
A: Yes. If a judge finds they willfully refused to pay, they can face contempt penalties, including jail time.
Q: Does child support stop if my ex loses their job in ND?
A: No. They must file for a modification in court—payments don’t pause automatically.
Q: Can unpaid child support affect my ex’s driver’s license?
A: Yes. The state may suspend driver’s and other licenses until payments are caught up.
Q: How do I enforce a child support order in North Dakota?
A: You can work with the Child Support Enforcement Unit or file a motion in court. An attorney can help streamline the process.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with a licensed attorney regarding your specific situation.
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