I am 34 years old a female and I have an ex-partner who is 35 years old, we have three children below the age of twelve. He has been instructed to pay for child support for approximately 6 months, at the present he owes $5800. He made a $150 payment 3 weeks after our first enforcement hearing in the previous month. Even with a probation order for assault, which he has admitted to, he argues that his probation officer told him enforcement will not be stiff if he tries. He is to contribute about $200 weekly and has contributed only $150 up to the time of the arrest two years ago plus a new increase in his wages of $3. He says he cannot comply with more and he will pay when he has some surplus. Will he be given a reckoning at some point? This feels unfair. What is the purpose of having a support order if it will not be carried out? 
Contact Child Support Services to push for stricter enforcement, especially with missed payments and his wage increase. It might help to get a lawyer involved too. Hang in there, and hopefully, you’ll get a resolution soon
It’s understandably frustrating when child support orders aren’t enforced as expected. Your ex-partner is legally obligated to pay child support, and consistent non-payment can lead to legal consequences, such as wage garnishment, liens, or even jail time. The probation officer’s advice regarding enforcement should not supersede the court’s child support orders. If he continues to fail in meeting his obligations, you can request enforcement through the court, which may review his payment history and current financial situation to enforce the support order more strictly. The purpose of the support order is to ensure financial support for your children, and persistent non-compliance should be addressed through legal channels to ensure fairness and accountability.
I’m at my wit’s end with child support. My ex owes over $5,000 and barely pays anything, despite a court order. He’s even using his probation officer as an excuse. It’s frustrating and unfair to our kids. Will he ever face consequences? This system feels broken.