Failing to make court-ordered child support can result in serious consequences, including incarceration. However, options may be available to help if you find yourself in financial difficulty and unable to make payments. An experienced Boulder family attorney from Stahly Mehrtens Miner LLC can review your circumstances and guide you toward a resolution in your child support case. Contact us to schedule a confidential consultation.
Enforcement Actions and Consequences of Not Paying Child Support
State and federal laws provide a number of enforcement actions and consequences to serve as a deterrent for failing to make child support payments. Some potential consequences of not paying child support include:
- Wage garnishment – If you are behind on support, Child Support Services can request the family court issue a Writ of Garnishment to automatically deduct your wages from your paycheck. Child support garnishments are significantly more than garnishments allowed to other types of creditors.
- Jail time – Not paying child support can result in a parent being charged with a misdemeanor offense, which can result in jail time.
- License suspension – If you fall behind on child support payments, your driver’s license can be suspended. Other licenses can also be suspended, including hunting, fishing, and business licenses.
- Fines – The other parent can file contempt of court charges if you fall behind on payments, which can result in having to pay fines and other consequences.
- Interception of funds – Funds you are due can be intercepted to pay off your child support obligation, such as lottery or gambling winnings and tax refunds.
- Property liens – Child support can be reduced to a judgment, which allows for a lien to be placed against your property to ensure payment.
- Damaged credit scores – Your arrears can be reported to the credit bureaus, resulting in damage to your credit score.
- Passport restrictions – Parents who owe more than $2,500 in child support can have their passport revoked or a new passport denied.
If you find yourself falling behind on child support payments, reach out for legal help before it’s too late.
Help if You Are Struggling to Pay Child Support
If you are having difficulty paying child support, this may indicate that you need to modify your child support order. If you have lost your job, suffered a disability, or had another financial setback, it may be possible to review and change your child support order. However, your child support order will not automatically change because of job loss or other financial reasons. You will need to notify the court and proactively request this relief.
Colorado also offers a number of job training, GED prep, and supportive services to parents with a child support case that may help the situation.
Contact an Experienced Child Support Lawyer for Immediate Assistance
If you need assistance with a child support modification or claim, contact a lawyer from Stahly Mehrtens Miner LLC. We can review your circumstances, explain your legal options, and assist you with taking the appropriate legal steps for your case. Call (855) 963-4968 or contact us online to schedule your confidential consultation.