Child Support Enforcement

After two parents file for a divorce, they must go through the process of establishing paternity and establishing support orders before a parent can begin to collect support for their child. Many parents feel relieved when their divorce is finally settled, but sometimes the troubles have just begun. When a parent refuses to pay child support and pays less than the amount agreed upon, or does not pay at all, you need to take action to protect the future of your child.

Once a state has established how much each parent must pay for child support, a parent must file for a change in the court order if he or she wants to pay a lesser amount. The federal government has created a Child Support Enforcement Program to help promote self-sufficiency of families and the child's well-being. A parent who refuses to pay child support may be forced to pay by income withholding. In fact, over 69 percent of child support across the nation is paid in this manner.

If a parent is overdue in paying child support, the government may also collect the amount owed from sales of property, federal and state income tax refunds or liens placed on property. It is important for you understand that a child support order is enforceable under the law just the same as any other court decree or judgment. A knowledgeable divorce attorney knows all of the means of obtaining child support if your ex-spouse continues to refuse to pay, and can assist you with seeking legal retribution.

When you discover that your spouse is behind with payments, you should report your situation to the credit reporting bureaus. If the obligated parent still refuses to pay the required support, his or her driver's, professional or occupations licenses may be suspended. Certain states also allow for criminal charges to be brought against irresponsible parents who owe large sums of child support. Whatever your situation may be, it is always wise to consult a professional legal mind. The right legal representation can make all the difference in the future of your family.

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