Child Support Enforcement

Non-custodial parents in the United States are required to pay child support for any children that have been born to them. In Texas, the amount that is required is 20% of net monthly resources per month for the first child and 5% extra for each additional child. This is a substantial percentage of one’s wages and some non-custodial parents are tempted not to pay the amount that they are ordered to pay by the courts. Nonpayment of child support is a common problem not just in the state of Texas but throughout the United States. For the custodial parent, it can be extremely frustrating to wait for child support payments that never come. It might be difficult to ask the non-custodial parent and they may simply be unwilling to provide payment. For this reason, many people turn to a family law attorney for child support enforcement. A family law attorney will be able to help collect unpaid child support from anywhere in the country.

Collecting Money for Child Support

While it is sometimes possible to collect money oneself, it is not always desirable. If the custodial and non-custodial parents are on bad terms, contacting them regarding finances may be particularly stressful. These difficulties can be further compounded if the relationship had a history of abuse or the non-custodial parent simply does not allow contact. For these situations, a family law attorney can be asked to assist in the retrieval of missed payments.

Regular Child Support Payments

Regular “child support” payments have been shown to make a big difference in the lives of children. According to the Texas Attorney General, “Research confirms that children who receive regular child support make better grades in school, are more likely to finish high school and attend college, are more self-confident, are more likely to exercise self-control, and are less likely to engage in risky behaviors as teens.” There are obvious reasons for the difference that child support can make in children’s lives. The custodial parent of a properly supported child will have more funds available to ensure that their child is properly fed and clothed. Making regular child support payment contributions can be difficult but it goes a long way to showing a child that there are two parents and not just one.

International Non-Payment of Child Support

Intentional non-payment of child support is a felony punishable by imprisonment. While it is highly unlikely that a non-custodial parent would be jailed for missing one payment, in situations where there is no effort made to pay for an extended period, non-payers are sometimes imprisoned. The goal of child support enforcement is not to imprison people for non-payment but rather to collect funds that are owed. In the case of non-payment, some common remedies that are sought include garnishment of wages, possible jail time and in some cases, property seizures. Other punishments that may be inflicted include business license suspension and driver’s license suspension. Again, the goal is not to punish people but rather it is to collect funds that are owed.

Non-Custodial Parents and Child Support

For non-custodial parents, it is extremely important to remember that child support and visitation are completely separate. It is often the case that non-custodial parents withhold child support if they are denied visitation by their ex-spouse. This is a crime. If there are visitation issues, they should be pursued with an attorney. Withholding child support is not an appropriate remedy. A family law attorney will take the non-custodial spouse through any steps that are needed to ensure that visitation takes place. Child support must be paid at all times regardless of visitation problems.

Changes in Employment

Sometimes changes in employment involve wage reductions or unemployment leaves a non-custodial parent without the means to make regular payments. Notifying the proper authorities or speaking to a family law attorney promptly is the best way to ensure that this does not become an issue. Acting swiftly when one finds themselves in times of financial hardship and explaining before the fact rather than once payments are in arrears is best.

Enforcing Child Support with Divorce Attorneys

It is possible to enforce child support anywhere in the United States. A divorce attorney will be able to take certain steps to track down the non-custodial parent. Once they are tracked down, the attorney will then begin taking steps to recover unpaid child support. The reality of the situation is that they may not have enough funds to repay all of the unpaid child support. This is merely the first step in the process of child support enforcement.

Child Support in Texas

Child support enforcement is something that the state of Texas takes very seriously. All reasonable steps can and will be taken to retrieve any unpaid child support and for serious delinquents, there is an extremely high possibility of imprisonment. For lesser cases where it is possible to recover the funds, your attorney will look for avenues so that overdue child support can be recovered in a minimum amount of time with as little stress as possible.

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