Q: What are the odds I go to jail if behind on child support payments only 3 months?

A: Going to jail does NOT depend on whether she shows up for court. It depends on your income for the time period in question. You do not give any figures on your income during the time period in question, but if you had income and you didn't pay ANY support during that time, you better bring your toothbrush because you are going to jail (if I was the judge).

yes, most judges are reluctant to put someone in jail for non-payment, but since there is no support being paid, you leave them no choice. i suggest you pay all you can afford asap to avoid the contempt sanctions.

A: The decision about jail time is NOT the child's mother, that decision is for the Judge. If the mother doesn't come to the court hearing, her lawyer ( or the States' child support lawyer) may ask for the case to be re-scheduled. She doesn't not have to be there to accept the money- you can pay it to the court clerk or the child support office. It may be that you should NOT pay her directly ( if she is getting food stamps or other state assistance, you MUST pay the money to the child support office in order to get credit for the payment). If you are requires to pay the State, any money you give her won't count, its' considered a "gift". The issue of jail depends on whether you are guilty of "willful contempt" so if you have a good reason why you didn't pay ( and really the only good reason is you had NO income) then you are not guilty of contempt. You are entitled to an appointed lawyer if there is real danger of jail. Tell the Judge you need a lawyer if you can't hire one.