What happens if
two individuals get married and didn’t get along with each other? They usually
divorce. If they have a child below 18 years old, one gets custody and the
other gets to pay child support. What could happen if the non-custodial parent
does not follow court order to provide financial support for the child?
What Happens
When You Don’t Pay
After not
paying for a couple of months, you will most likely receive a notice on your
mailbox. It will usually remind and encourage you of the amount you failed to
pay. Note that the consequences below will happen even if you don’t receive
this letter.
There are
various ways on how the custodial parent, child support agency or court could
collect the ones you failed to pay. It could be through lien, which is when
your properties like real estate and car are held. Most states also publicize
the list of individuals with properties on hold due to non-payment of child support.
Seizing bank accounts is also common. Your licenses including the one for
driving, hunting and fishing may also be suspended. Your professional license
may also be included. The court may also meddle with other things such as your
retirement funds and insurance settlements. A lot of deadbeat parents have
suffered a big reduction on their funds due to nonpayment of child support.
Worse, you can be
charged with contempt of court (because the amount and schedule of child support
is usually ordered by a judge). You may be fined or jailed. According to Livestrong, the severity depends whether or
not it is your first time to miss payments.
Some Tips to
Help You Pay on Time
One of the most
common reasons of parents not capable of paying their child support is the lack
of income. When this happens, make sure to notify the child support agency. You
can also request for a review if your income decreases (i.e. due to demotion)
or your financial needs increases. Changing the payment plan can also be done
when you used to be supporting two or more children but one reaches the
emancipation age. Note that some states also require the emancipated child to
finish high school or college. The rules and guidelines vary from state to
state.
It is important
that you don’t go behind child support payments. If you are in financial trouble,
see to it that the court knows it by requesting a child support review. The amount
can be reduced. Never miss payments because there are serious consequences
since all states hold that every child deserves the support from both parents. Visit
this site to know more about child support payments.