Parents Behind on Child Support Payments Can Seek Help From Court

In Berrien County, Michigan, parents who are behind in their child support payments and wanted on civil bench warrants will have a chance to catch up on their payments and avoid arrest.

A one-day amnesty program will take place June 26.  On this day, parents who are sought on civil bench warrants for delinquent child support payments can speak with the Friends of the Court staff about their employment status, child support history, and other related matters without fear of being arrested.

Invitation letters have been sent to approximately 1,450 people with outstanding bench warrants issued by judges after failing to appear in court to explain why child support hasn't been paid.

FOC director Thomas Watson said his staff recognizes that the poor economy has put many parents out of work, and as a result some are hard pressed to pay child support. Although understanding, he also said children deserve to be supported, and that child support orders must be enforced.

The Friends of the Court staff has lined up community organizations to help parents find employment or seek job training.  Parents whose income has been significantly reduced due to job loss, work hour reductions, or other factors can also get information about petitioning the court to reduce or modify their current child support orders.

At the event, parents will be asked to pay something towards their arrearage and work out a feasible payment plan with the court.  Bench warrants issued for those who are able to work out arrangements will not be enforced for 90 days.

According to FOC chief enforcement officer Mike Slater, parents who do nothing to address their outstanding payments are at risk of being arrested this summer.  Those arrested typically spend 45 days in jail or pay 25 percent of the child support debt they owe.

For more information about child support programs, click here to find a family law attorney near you.