Federal law mandates that all employers in the United States deduct court-ordered child support from an employee’s wages. This process, known as income withholding, is typically initiated by a court order or administrative notice sent to the employer. For example, after a divorce decree stipulating child support payments, the court will often automatically send an income withholding order (IWO) to the obligor’s employer, instructing them to deduct the specified amount. This ensures consistent and reliable payments for the benefit of the child.
Income withholding plays a crucial role in the child support system, providing a streamlined and efficient method for ensuring children receive the financial support they need. It reduces the burden on custodial parents of having to pursue payments directly, minimizing potential conflict and promoting financial stability for families. Historically, enforcing child support obligations proved challenging, often relying on voluntary compliance or lengthy legal processes. The establishment of mandatory income withholding significantly improved the effectiveness of child support enforcement, leading to more reliable payments and a greater degree of financial security for children.
