Whether your ex refuses to make child support payments even though they have significant assets or you have suffered devastating financial hardships that impact your ability to pay support, you need to review different ways that the state enforces child support orders. Moreover, if you have a high net worth and you are thinking about getting a divorce, you should look into this issue carefully.
If you owe back child support or worry about missing payments, review your options and try to stay current or get caught up.
What happens when a parent fails to pay child support?
According to the Office of the Attorney General, Texas uses a number of measures to enforce child support orders. For example, parents who do not make child support could lose their passport or the ability to renew their passport. Sometimes, the state holds those who do not pay support in contempt of court and they face time behind bars.
Credit reporting agencies receive notice of back support and a non-custodial parent could lose his or her lottery winnings. Moreover, the Office of the Attorney General can place liens on a delinquent parent’s bank account or property and those who fall behind on support sometimes lose their driver’s license.
What can parents do to address back child support?
If you cannot pay support because of a medical crisis or the loss of your job, you could have the ability to modify your child support order. Furthermore, you might benefit from setting up a payment plan. Make sure you do everything you can to stay current on support payments so that enforcement does not become an issue.