It can be difficult to meet all of your monthly financial obligations; however, the consequences of not paying
child support can be much greater than not paying other bills. If you are facing a nonpayment of child support situation, you need a skilled child support lawyer by your side. At the
Law Offices of Rick D. Banks, we can represent you whether you owe child support or if you’re trying to obtain it from a noncustodial parent. Call us today at
(559)222-4891 for a free case consultation to find out how we can help you.
What Does Child Support Pay For?
Child support payments are set according to state guidelines and the needs of the child. When determining how much child support should be paid by a noncustodial parent, the court considers number of children, income of both parents, and ability to pay. Child support payments should cover the following:
- Food, clothing, housing, and other basic necessities of children
- Heath care and other medical expenses
- Educational expenses and daycare costs
- Extracurricular activities and clubs
Although some of these expenses are not considered needs, child support is established to cover a standard of living that a child would enjoy if both parents were together. Consequences of not paying child support include not meeting the needs of children and not providing them with the opportunities they deserve.
Legal Consequences of Not Paying Child Support
Child support is typically court ordered. If you fail to make payments, you can face the consequences of not paying child support. There are many legal repercussions for failing to make child support payments, including the following:
- Leins on your property;
- Warrant for your arrest;
- Civil warrant to appear in court;
- Suspension of your driver’s license;
- Payment interception from retirement accounts, insurance claims, judgments, and more;
- Wage garnishment;
- Bank account seizure; and
- Reporting to credit agencies.
There are many legal consequences to not paying child support. The state legislature and court seek to find any means necessary to encourage payment of child support.
What Should You Do If You Can’t Afford Child Support
Because the consequences of not paying child support are serious, it’s important to take action early if you think you cannot meet your obligations. You should reach out to a child support attorney to help you seek a child support modification. You might think you cannot afford an attorney; however, an attorney can save you a significant amount of money in the long-run. If you are already behind on child support payments, you may be able to avoid consequences of not paying child support by seeking a payment plan. Talk to the other parent of your children or reach out to your child support enforcement agency. You may be able to establish a payment plan to reduce the arrears that you owe.
If you are unable to meet the current requirements of your child support payments, you may seek a modification to avoid consequences of not paying child support. However, courts will only grant a modification for the following reasons:
- Your income has decreased significantly;
- Your custody or visitation orders have changed;
- You are experiencing economic or medical hardships;
- You have experienced a medical emergency involving the child; or
- Your child’s needs have changed.
Your state may also allow for periodic review of your child support obligation. A skilled attorney can help you avoid consequences of not paying child support.
Avoid Consequences of Not Paying Child Support With the Help of a Lawyer
At the
Law Offices of Rick D. Banks, we can guide you through the legal system and help you obtain a beneficial outcome for yourself and your children. Call us at
(559)222-4891 today for questions about consequences of not paying child support.
