What to Do If Child Support Payments Are Missed

Parents have the responsibility to provide for their children. This is still true for non-custodial parents who pay for child support. But this payment still has a financial strain on the paying parent. According to Clio, more than 50% of parents obligated to pay support are pushed below the poverty line by unrealistic child support obligations.

On the other hand, missing this support payment creates a different dilemma for the parent who depends on that money to cover for the child’s needs. 

When a parent misses a child support payment, the court will enforce the order, says child support lawyer Janet Ewing.  The court will assign penalties if a parent fails to keep up with these payments. In some states, like California, unpaid child support payments will be charged an interest of 10%.

Here are the important things you need to know and steps that you can take if you are in this kind of situation.

Assess the Situation and Gather Documentation

When payments for child support are missed, it would be prudent to take an assessment and see what is happening. Check your records for proofs and documentation such as receipts and statements from your bank account, which will assist in grasping the situation in total. 

Make a record of any missed payments, along with their dates and amounts. This form should maintain proper organization since it could be necessary in any negotiations or legal proceedings that may arise in the future. 

According to https://www.butlerandquinn.com/, if you refuse to pay child support, there are consequences that the court may impose. These include jail time, suspension of your driver’s license, garnishing state and federal tax refunds, or denying the issuance or renewal of a passport.

You are definitely not alone; others are also facing similar challenges. Speaking about this with your friends or support group helps keep you grounded. Starting off with all these actions is empowering and will have you ready when it matters.

Communicate With the Non-Custodial Parent

Once you observe a child’s unpaid support, contact the non-custodial parent’s side. The tone should be friendly yet concerned and would not assume blame. 

You can mention words such as “Hey, I’ve noticed the payments haven’t come through this month. Is everything okay?” This is an avenue you can use to build a partnership instead of a battleground.

There could be very good reasons for the delay. Hence, listen. Most problems can be resolved with a calm discussion. It can also be an avenue to work together and find solutions.

All your work is for your child’s needs, and keeping a polite conversation can only help strengthen your co-parenting relationship. Having each other’s back is beneficial for everyone-whoever is co-parenting, and especially for your child.

Contact Your Local Child Support Agency

If you’ve tried communicating with the non-custodial parent and payments are still missing, contacting your local child support agency would be the next step. Child support agencies help you with the resolution of this situation. 

They will offer advice; they will investigate the missed payments, and if need be, they will take action. When you call, be sure to have your case number and any correspondence you have had with the other parent ready. This will ease their understanding of your case. 

You don’t have to face this alone. There are many parents who go through this kind of problem like you. By involving the agency, you are now taking active steps toward ensuring that your child receives the support he requires. 

That said, you can already begin working on a solution together that is favorable for your entire family.

Explore Legal Options for Enforcement

While enlisting your local child support agency is crucial, you might need to pursue legal enforcement options should payments continue to remain elusive. Set up a family law attorney consultation so that your particular situation is understood and to walk you through the legal process. 

If your ex-spouse is failing to comply with that court order, they may help you file a motion for contempt. Another course of action may be wage garnishment or tax refund interception if payments are missed. 

These choices may seem a bit overwhelming for some. But you should remember that you’re not the only one going through this. There are other parents who are also facing the same kinds of challenges. These are the times when support groups or forums can do wonders with insight and encouragement. 

By reaching out to others who are facing similar problems, you can get the drive to spring into action for your child’s needs.

Consider Mediation or Alternative Dispute Resolution

Alternative forms of settlement, such as mediation, can allow for settling oversights of child support payments without heating up the matter. A defeated spirit should see this as an avenue toward goodwill and communication. 

This approach allows you and your ex-partner to find some common ground with the assistance of a neutral third party so that both of you can then be encouraged to discuss your concerns. 

Mediation will save you lots of time, money, and emotional energy compared to going through court. It gives a spirit of cooperation that can help the parties to arrive at a workable solution. 

It will make you feel strong that you and your child worked together to find an answer.