When a parent fails to pay child support in Wyoming, the state enforces collection through wage garnishment of up to 65% of disposable income, driver's license suspension after 90 days of nonpayment, federal and state tax refund intercepts, passport denial for arrears exceeding $2,500, and contempt of court proceedings that can result in up to 6 months in jail. Wyoming imposes a 10% penalty on missed current support payments and charges 10% annual interest on arrears reduced to judgment under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-308. The Wyoming Child Support Program (CSP) operates as a zero-tolerance enforcement state, meaning parents cannot receive or renew a U.S. passport until the entire arrears balance is paid in full—no payment arrangements are accepted for passport restoration.
| Key Enforcement Facts | Wyoming Details |
|---|---|
| Wage Garnishment Limit | 50-65% of disposable income |
| License Suspension Trigger | No payment for 90 days |
| Tax Refund Intercept Threshold | $150 (public assistance) / $500 (non-public assistance) |
| Passport Denial Threshold | $2,500 in arrears |
| Interest on Arrears | 10% annually on judgments |
| Penalty on Missed Payments | 10% per missed payment |
| Contempt Jail Time | Up to 6 months |
| Statute of Limitations | None—arrears never expire |
How Wyoming's Child Support Enforcement System Works
Wyoming's child support enforcement system operates under Wyo. Stat. § 20-6-104 through the Department of Family Services Child Support Enforcement (CSE) program, which serves as the state's Title IV-D agency under federal law. The program provides free enforcement services to custodial parents regardless of whether they receive public assistance, processing over 45,000 active child support cases annually. Wyoming uses an automated enforcement system called POSSE that continuously monitors payment compliance and automatically triggers enforcement actions when parents fall behind on obligations. The CSE program can locate non-custodial parents through federal and state databases, establish paternity when needed, obtain and enforce court orders, and collect unpaid child support through multiple administrative and judicial remedies. Parents owing child support arrears in Wyoming face progressively severe consequences the longer they remain delinquent, starting with wage withholding and escalating to license suspension, property liens, tax intercepts, and potential incarceration for willful nonpayment.
Wage Garnishment for Unpaid Child Support in Wyoming
Wage garnishment represents Wyoming's primary enforcement tool for child support enforcement Wyoming parents fail to pay voluntarily, with automatic income withholding taking effect immediately upon entry of any support order under Wyo. Stat. § 20-6-201 through the Income Withholding Act. Wyoming law permits garnishment of 50% of a parent's disposable earnings when supporting another spouse or child, or 60% when no other dependents exist. For parents with child support arrears exceeding 12 weeks, these limits increase to 55% (with other dependents) or 65% (without other dependents). Wyoming defines income broadly for withholding purposes, including wages, salary, commissions, bonuses, independent contractor compensation, workers' compensation benefits, unemployment compensation, disability benefits, annuities, retirement benefits, and any other periodic payment from any source. Employers who fail to withhold income as required face liability for the amount they should have withheld plus a civil penalty of up to $200, and courts may hold non-compliant employers in civil contempt.
Income Withholding Calculation Example
| Scenario | Garnishment Percentage | Monthly Example ($4,000 net) |
|---|---|---|
| Supporting other dependents, current | 50% | $2,000 |
| No other dependents, current | 60% | $2,400 |
| Supporting others, 12+ weeks arrears | 55% | $2,200 |
| No others, 12+ weeks arrears | 65% | $2,600 |
Driver's License Suspension for Child Support Arrears
Wyoming administratively suspends driver's licenses when a non-custodial parent has not made a full monthly child support payment voluntarily or through wage withholding in the preceding 90 days under Wyo. Stat. § 20-6-111. The CSP case worker sends notification by first-class mail or personal service warning that the license will be suspended 60 days from receipt unless the parent comes into full compliance with a court-ordered payment plan. Wyoming's license suspension process requires no court involvement once the 90-day nonpayment threshold is met, making it one of the most powerful administrative enforcement tools available. Parents can have their license reinstated once they pay arrears in full or demonstrate compliance with an approved payment plan. The purpose of license suspension is not punishment but rather motivation—encouraging non-paying parents to begin providing current support and paying down arrears. Wyoming suspends approximately 3,500 driver's licenses annually for child support nonpayment.
Professional and Recreational License Suspension
Beyond driver's licenses, Wyoming courts can suspend professional, occupational, and recreational licenses for unpaid child support under Wyo. Stat. § 20-6-112. Professional licenses subject to suspension include medical licenses, law licenses, real estate licenses, contractor licenses, and any other state-regulated occupation. The District Court Judge may order license suspension during Order to Show Cause hearings or upon filing of a petition to suspend. Once the court enters a suspension order, the case worker forwards certified copies to the appropriate licensing agency within Wyoming state government. Recreational licenses—including hunting, fishing, and trapping permits issued by the Wyoming Game and Fish Commission—face the same suspension procedures. For many Wyoming parents, loss of hunting and fishing privileges creates significant pressure to resolve child support arrears. License reinstatement requires either full payment of arrears or court-approved compliance with a payment plan.
Tax Refund Intercepts Under the Treasury Offset Program
Wyoming participates fully in the federal Treasury Offset Program (TOP) to intercept both federal and state tax refunds from parents owing unpaid child support. Cases with arrears exceeding $150 for public assistance recipients or $500 for non-public assistance cases are automatically submitted to the federal Office of Child Support Services for offset certification. When the Bureau of the Fiscal Service processes a tax refund matching a certified debt, it intercepts part or all of the refund and sends it to Wyoming's CSP for distribution to the custodial parent. Non-custodial parents receive pre-offset notices—typically mailed in October before tax season—providing at least 30 days' warning before submission. Wyoming retains a $25 federal tax offset fee from collections on behalf of non-public assistance custodial parents, but credits the full intercept amount to the non-custodial parent's account. Joint tax filers whose spouse owes child support can protect their portion by submitting an Injured Spouse Allocation Form with their return.
Passport Denial for Child Support Arrears Over $2,500
Wyoming operates as a zero-tolerance state for passport denial, meaning parents with child support arrears exceeding $2,500 cannot receive or renew a U.S. passport until the entire arrears balance is paid in full. Unlike some states that allow payment arrangements for passport restoration, Wyoming requires complete satisfaction of all past-due support before certifying release to the State Department. This enforcement tool proves particularly effective for parents who travel internationally for business or pleasure. The federal Office of Child Support Services maintains a database of parents certified for passport denial, and the State Department automatically rejects applications from listed individuals. Passport denial affects not only new passport applications but also renewals, meaning a parent's existing passport may become unusable upon expiration until arrears are fully resolved. Parents cleared of passport denial after paying arrears typically receive removal certification within 2-3 weeks.
Property Liens for Child Support Arrears
The Wyoming Department of Family Services obtains automatic liens against real or personal property of obligors residing in Wyoming once arrears reach triple the current monthly child support obligation under Wyo. Stat. § 20-6-106. These liens attach to homes, vehicles, land, bank accounts, and any other property the non-paying parent owns. Property liens become particularly significant when a parent attempts to sell real estate or refinance a mortgage, as title companies require lien releases before closing transactions. The CSP can perfect and enforce liens through standard legal processes, potentially forcing the sale of property to satisfy child support arrears. Financial institutions also receive lien notices, allowing the CSP to freeze and seize bank accounts holding sufficient funds. Parents facing property liens can request release only after paying arrears in full or obtaining court approval of an alternative arrangement.
Contempt of Court for Willful Nonpayment
Contradicting common misconceptions, Wyoming courts can and do incarcerate parents for willful failure to pay child support through contempt of court proceedings under Wyo. Stat. § 20-6-104. Contempt actions require a motion filed with the District Court, typically with legal representation, asking the judge to hold the non-paying parent in contempt for violating the child support order. Courts impose fines ranging from several hundred to thousands of dollars depending on the amount owed and duration of nonpayment. Persistent nonpayment can result in jail sentences of up to 6 months for civil contempt, with the parent able to "purge" the contempt by paying a specified amount. If a parent fails to meet requirements of an initial contempt order, the District Court may issue a bench warrant for arrest. The key element courts examine is whether nonpayment was "willful"—meaning the parent had the ability to pay but chose not to. Parents facing genuine financial hardship should proactively seek modification rather than simply stopping payment.
Federal Criminal Prosecution Under the Child Support Recovery Act
For the most egregious cases of unpaid child support involving interstate elements, Wyoming can refer cases for federal prosecution under the Child Support Recovery Act (CSRA) of 1992 and the Deadbeat Parents Punishment Act of 1998. Under federal law, willfully failing to pay child support for a child residing in another state constitutes a federal misdemeanor. Repeat offenders or those owing more than $5,000 for over one year face federal felony charges carrying penalties of up to 2 years in federal prison. The Wyoming CSP utilizes federal prosecution only after exhausting all other enforcement remedies and documenting the complete enforcement history. Federal prosecution requires that the non-custodial parent resides in a different state than the child—interstate flight specifically to avoid payment obligations. Though rarely invoked, this enforcement tool demonstrates the serious criminal consequences parents face for persistent child support evasion.
Interest and Penalties on Wyoming Child Support Arrears
Wyoming imposes significant financial penalties on parents who fall behind on child support obligations, creating powerful incentives for timely payment. Under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-308 and § 1-16-103, Wyoming charges a 10% penalty on current missed child support payments when unpaid for 32 or more days. Additionally, arrears that have been reduced to a separate court judgment accrue 10% annual interest. A parent who misses a $500 monthly payment for 6 months accumulates $3,000 in principal plus approximately $150 in penalties and interest—amounts that escalate rapidly over time. Critically, enforcement of past-due child support in Wyoming carries no statute of limitations, meaning arrears never expire regardless of the child's age. The court may enforce child support orders even after the child turns 18 or becomes emancipated, pursuing full collection of all accumulated arrears plus penalties and interest.
Arrears Accumulation Example
| Months Behind | Principal Owed | 10% Penalty | Approximate Interest | Total Owed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 month | $500 | $50 | $0 | $550 |
| 6 months | $3,000 | $300 | $100 | $3,400 |
| 12 months | $6,000 | $600 | $450 | $7,050 |
| 24 months | $12,000 | $1,200 | $1,800 | $15,000 |
Requesting Child Support Modification to Avoid Enforcement
Parents experiencing genuine financial hardship should request child support modification rather than simply stopping payment and facing enforcement actions. Under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-311, Wyoming presumes a change in circumstances is material if recalculating support under current guidelines would result in an amount differing by 20% or more from the existing order. Three pathways exist for modification: first, if the order hasn't changed within 6 months and recalculation shows a 20% or greater difference; second, a substantial change of circumstances such as job loss, disability, or major income reduction; third, every 3 years either parent may request review without showing changed circumstances. The Wyoming Child Support Program offers free modification assistance—contact (307) 777-5300 to request a modification review. Temporary changes in income typically don't qualify for modification; courts look for substantial and continuing changes. Parents must continue paying the current ordered amount until a court enters a modified order—retroactive reductions are not permitted.
How Custodial Parents Can Enforce Child Support Collection
Custodial parents owed unpaid child support in Wyoming can access free enforcement services through the Wyoming Child Support Program regardless of income level or public assistance status. To open a case, contact your local District CSP Office or call the state office at (307) 777-5300. The CSP handles all enforcement actions at no cost, including wage withholding, tax intercepts, license suspensions, and contempt proceedings. Parents can also pursue private enforcement by hiring a family law attorney to file contempt motions directly—if successful, the court may order the non-paying parent to reimburse attorney's fees. Enforcement actions are not mutually exclusive; the CSP can simultaneously pursue multiple remedies to maximize collection pressure. Custodial parents should maintain detailed records of all missed payments, communication attempts, and any known assets or employment of the non-paying parent. Regular communication with your assigned CSP case worker ensures enforcement actions proceed without unnecessary delay.
Defenses to Child Support Enforcement Actions
Parents facing child support enforcement Wyoming actions have limited but important defenses available. The primary defense to contempt proceedings is demonstrating inability to pay—not unwillingness, but genuine financial incapacity. Courts examine bank records, tax returns, employment history, and lifestyle evidence to determine whether nonpayment was willful. Parents can challenge specific enforcement actions if proper procedures weren't followed, such as inadequate notice before license suspension. Mistakes in the amount owed—whether calculation errors or payments not properly credited—must be brought to the court's attention through formal motions. Parents incorrectly named as obligors due to paternity disputes can challenge enforcement through DNA testing. However, most supposed "defenses" don't work: disagreement with custody arrangements, denial of visitation, disputes about how child support money is spent, or belief the amount ordered is unfair do not excuse nonpayment. The appropriate remedy for these concerns is a separate court filing—modification motion or contempt motion for custody violations—not unilateral cessation of support payments.
Wyoming Child Support Enforcement Timeline
Understanding the enforcement timeline helps parents anticipate consequences for missed payments:
| Days Behind | Enforcement Action Triggered |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Payment due; income withholding should capture payment |
| Day 32+ | 10% penalty applies to missed current payment |
| Day 90+ | Driver's license suspension notice mailed |
| Day 150+ | Driver's license actually suspended |
| Triple monthly amount | Automatic property lien attaches |
| $150-$500 arrears | Tax refund intercept certification (based on case type) |
| $2,500 arrears | Passport denial certification |
| Ongoing | Court may hold contempt hearing at any time |
| 12+ weeks arrears | Maximum wage garnishment increases to 55-65% |
H2 FAQs: Wyoming Child Support Enforcement Questions
How much can Wyoming garnish from wages for child support?
Wyoming can garnish 50% of disposable earnings for parents supporting other dependents, or 60% for those without other dependents under Wyo. Stat. § 20-6-202. When arrears exceed 12 weeks, these limits increase to 55% and 65% respectively. For example, a parent earning $4,000 monthly in disposable income with 12+ weeks of arrears and no other dependents could have $2,600 withheld each month.
Can I go to jail for not paying child support in Wyoming?
Yes, Wyoming courts can sentence parents to up to 6 months in jail for civil contempt of court for willful nonpayment of child support. The key factor is whether nonpayment was willful—meaning the parent had the ability to pay but chose not to. Parents can typically "purge" contempt by paying a specified amount. Federal prosecution for interstate cases can result in up to 2 years imprisonment.
Will Wyoming take my tax refund for child support arrears?
Wyoming participates fully in the Treasury Offset Program (TOP) to intercept federal and state tax refunds for unpaid child support. Cases are certified for offset when arrears exceed $150 for public assistance cases or $500 for non-public assistance cases. The state sends pre-offset notices in October before tax season. A $25 fee is retained from non-public assistance collections.
How do I get my driver's license back after child support suspension in Wyoming?
To reinstate a driver's license suspended for child support nonpayment in Wyoming, you must either pay arrears in full or demonstrate compliance with a court-approved payment plan. Once requirements are met, the CSP case manager changes your suspension status to "Reinstatement Requested," and the system automatically notifies the Department of Transportation to restore your license within 1-2 weeks.
Can Wyoming suspend my professional license for unpaid child support?
Yes, Wyoming District Courts can suspend professional, occupational, and recreational licenses for child support nonpayment under Wyo. Stat. § 20-6-112. This includes medical licenses, law licenses, real estate licenses, contractor licenses, and hunting/fishing permits. Suspension requires court action, typically during Order to Show Cause hearings, with certified orders forwarded to the relevant licensing agency.
Is there a statute of limitations on child support arrears in Wyoming?
No, Wyoming has no statute of limitations on child support enforcement. Past-due child support can be collected indefinitely, even after the child turns 18 or becomes emancipated. Arrears continue to accumulate 10% annual interest when reduced to judgment, and the full balance remains enforceable until paid in full regardless of how much time passes.
How do I report unpaid child support in Wyoming?
To report unpaid child support in Wyoming, contact the Wyoming Child Support Program at (307) 777-5300 or visit your local District CSP Office. The program provides free enforcement services regardless of income level. You can also open a case online through the Wyoming Department of Family Services website. Provide documentation of missed payments, known employer information, and any assets owned by the non-paying parent.
Can I modify child support if I can't afford to pay in Wyoming?
Yes, Wyoming allows child support modification when recalculation shows a 20% or greater difference from the current order under Wyo. Stat. § 20-2-311. You can request free modification review through the Wyoming Child Support Program at (307) 777-5300. Every 3 years, either parent can request review without proving changed circumstances. You must continue paying the current amount until a court enters a modified order.
What happens to child support arrears when my child turns 18?
Child support arrears in Wyoming remain fully enforceable after the child turns 18 or becomes emancipated. Current support obligations typically end at age 18 (or 19 if still in high school), but accumulated arrears plus penalties and interest remain collectible indefinitely. Enforcement actions including wage garnishment, tax intercepts, license suspensions, and contempt proceedings continue until the full balance is paid.
Can Wyoming deny my passport for unpaid child support?
Yes, Wyoming is a zero-tolerance state for passport denial. Parents with child support arrears exceeding $2,500 cannot receive or renew a U.S. passport until the entire arrears balance is paid in full. Unlike some states, Wyoming does not accept payment arrangements for passport restoration—complete satisfaction of all past-due support is required. Clearance after payment typically takes 2-3 weeks.
Author: Antonio G. Jimenez, Esq. | Florida Bar No. 21022 | Covering Wyoming divorce law
Sources: Wyoming Child Support Program Policy Manual, Wyoming Judicial Branch, Wyoming Statutes Title 20 Chapter 6, Wyoming Child Support Program
Filing fees verified as of May 2026. Contact your local Clerk of District Court to confirm current fees before filing.