On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Child Support on Friday, September 20, 2019.
There are a variety of resources available to families to help ensure child support obligations are enforced. Child support enforcement tools at the disposal of authorities can include: income withholding or wage garnishment; federal or tax refund interception; liens on property; suspension of professional licenses or a driver’s license; denial of a passport; and even jail time, in some circumstances.
When there is a valid child support order in place, it is important for the paying parent to make required payments or they may be subject to enforcement options available to authorities.
Just as the family law process provides resources to help parents enforce child support obligations when needed, the family law process also provides resources to help paying parents who are struggling to meet their child support obligations request a modification of their child support order.
A child support modification may be granted in certain circumstances. A child support modification can be requested by either parent and may be available based on a significant change in circumstances.
It is paramount, however, that the paying parent continue to make child support payments due until any change is made and to request a modification from the family law court as soon as they know it is needed. Parents have a responsibility for the financial support of their children, but the family law system serves as a resource to help them meet those obligations and ensure child support is paid. Anyone facing these circumstances may need to get more information about the options in their own unique situation.
