Consequences for failing to pay child support
When two people have a child together, planned or not, that child is the responsibility of both parents. Not only should they be working together to raise the child in a safe, loving environment, they should also be making sure the child’s needs are being met mentally, emotionally and financially. This is something that all parents are aware of, but there are many who still fail to care for their child and give them the support they need financially. When a parent ignores their responsibility and decides not to pay child support, there are a number of ways their child is still able to get the money they need to be properly cared for by both of their parents.
The following are possible consequences parents may have to face for failing to pay child support:
- Property seizure.
- Wage garnishment.
- Withholding tax refunds.
- Revoking of driver’s license.
There are many reasons why parents may fail to pay child support and fall behind on payments. When this happens, if it is because they can no longer afford to make monthly payments, they should attempt to speak to a judge about possibly getting the payments reduced. This is actually something that can be done prior to a parent missing payments, especially if they are aware of their inability to pay the amount the courts have ordered.
It is never OK for any parent not to take responsibility for their child. Even if they do not want to be a part of the child’s life, they could at least be contributing financially, so the other parent is not struggling to make ends meet or caring for the child on their own. Parents who are having difficulty getting the other parent of their child to assist financially should contact an attorney as they may be able to help parents get the child support their children deserve.
