Divorce presents many opportunities for contention, and issues concerning minor children are usually at the forefront. If you have not been awarded physical custody of your child, you will very likely be ordered to contribute to the financial well-being of that child by paying child support. The justice system has made it a top priority to protect the interests of the most vulnerable and innocent victims of divorce by enacting extremely serious and punitive laws when it comes to child support orders. Read on to find out why you should think twice before failing to meet your child support obligation.
Punishments for not paying child support:
A federal crime.
No matter where the child support order originated, every state in the union has the power to enforce the order and to prosecute the deadbeat parent who fails to pay. In fact, if it can be shown that the parent moved for the purpose of avoiding paying child support, they may be prosecuted under the Deadbeat Parents Punishment Act.
Don't just ignore your obligation.
Your financial responsibility for your child will remain until you bring payments up to date, and failing to address the issue will only make your life more difficult. Be sure to contact the local child support enforcement agency immediately when you realize that you cannot meet your payment; payment arrangements may be available to help you get up to date.
For financial issues that result from a job loss, illness, or other drops in income, a more permanent measure may be needed. Contact your divorce or family law attorney and request a hearing to revisit the child support issue in court. Keep in mind that you must show proof of a change in financial circumstances for the judge to alter the agreement.
You cannot be denied visitation.
Failing to pay child support is bad, but you should know that the custodial parent may not prevent you from fulfilling your visitation with your child for that reason. Child support and visitation are not related, and you should not be denied time with your child no matter how much you owe in back child support.
If you need to make a change in your child support agreement or you are unjustly being denied visitation, contact a family law attorney as soon as possible.
Share16 December 2016
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