36-5-904 - Enforcement of liens.

36-5-904. Enforcement of liens.

In cases where there is an arrearage of child or spousal support in a Title IV-D child support case or in which a lien arises pursuant to § 36-5-901, the department is authorized, without further order of a court, to secure the assets of the obligor to satisfy the current obligation and the arrearage by:

     (1)  Intercepting or seizing periodic or lump-sum payments or benefits due the obligor:

          (A)  From a state or local agency;

          (B)  From judgments of any judicial or administrative tribunal, settlements approved by any judicial or administrative tribunal, and lottery winnings;

     (2)  By attaching or seizing assets of the obligor or other person or entity held in financial institutions as defined in § 36-5-910;

     (3)  By attaching public and private retirement funds; and

     (4)  By imposing liens in accordance with § 36-5-901, and, in appropriate cases, by forcing the sale of the obligor's legal or equitable interest in property and by distribution of the proceeds of such sale.

[Acts 1997, ch. 551, § 12; 1998, ch. 1098, § 37.]