Divorce is unfortunately common in America, leaving a lot of men and women with the responsibility of paying child support to their exes. It is an understandable law that ensures the welfare of children whose parents separate. Not all men and women pay back child support, but not without consequence. The state of Utah has laws in place to enforce child support payment, so no divorced parent should struggle to provide for his or her family.
What is Back Child Support?
Unpaid and missed child support payments is considered back child support. If back child support continues to go unpaid, it adds up and will then be subject to legal action being taken to collect the back child support. Child support is money the non custodial parent is supposed to pay the primary caregiver, also known as the custodial parent, until the child turns 18 years of age, the child is active duty military, or if the court declares the child emancipated. Child support is meant to cover the basic needs of a child, including but not limited to, shelter, medical care, and food. Child support may also be used to pay for bills such as rent or a mortgage on a home, utilities, educational costs, telephone bills, and anything else that the child was accustomed to during the marriage of his/her parents. Paying child support is a financial obligation to help support the welfare of the child, and when not paid, it doesn’t go without consequences.
What Are the Consequences of Not Paying Back Child Support?
If the legally responsible parent fails to make the required child support payment, whether due to stubbornness, irresponsibility, or inability to pay, he or she will most likely need to appear back in court on a motion to enforce a domestic order. At that time, he or she will be required to provide a defense for lack of payment.
If the court does not find an inability to pay, the offending parent will most likely be ruled in contempt of court, with additional fines levied on top of the original ordered child support. This might include additional legal fees and even jail time until the parent complies with the legal child support order.
How Are the Consequences of Not Paying Back Child Support Enforced?
In addition to these legal ramifications, Utah also has a state division of child support enforcement who diligently works with the courts and other states to receive the court-ordered child support. Their efforts may take many forms:
- levies on bank accounts,
- liens on personal property and vehicles,
- negative reporting to credit bureaus,
- revoking driver’s licenses,
- intercepting federal and state tax returns,
- garnishing paychecks,
- revoking professional and work licenses,
- suspending or revoking passports,
- and the redirecting any awarded monies due.
The only way the court can enforce back child support is if the child support to be paid is formally established and written by the court.
Family Law Attorney David Pedrazas in Salt Lake City Utah Can Help
Are you needing help with receiving back child support? Utah has laws in place to protect the welfare of children in the event their parent’s divorce, and they have the means to enforce such laws. At the Law Office of David Pedrazas PLLC we can help you petition to have the court get involved in helping you obtain back child support. Rest assured, you are entitled to and will eventually receive your due child support with the right team on your side. It is always worth it to invest in legal help in such matters. David Pedrazas is a family law attorney with over 20 years of experience helping people through situations similar to yours.
Feel free to contact The Law Office of David Pedrazas in Salt Lake City, Utah today by calling 801-263-7078 to schedule a free consultation, or fill out our contact form. We would love to help you get on the path to getting the child support you and your child(dren) deserve as soon as possible.