Common-Sense Tips for Child Support Enforcement
Do not deny visitation when your ex fails to pay child support. You can be held in contempt of court! Anyway, this isn't the child's battle. It's yours.
If you haven't already, locate your closest state IV-D/child support office. Sign up for enforcement services. This is available at no cost (or very low cost) in every state.
Provide all the information possible about your ex to the appropriate agency/authority. Don't hold back.
Call or visit the county courthouse where your support order was issued. Find out if they have a courtroom facilitator to assist you in filing your own enforcement case. They can't give legal advice, but they can point you in the right direction, usually at no cost.
Write to your legislators when you have a problem with state agencies in charge of support enforcement.
Research! You can't do battle with your ex, or the state, until you can clearly see the playing field. Find out your state's laws on contempt proceedings. Learn what your rights are as a custodial parent and as a client of a state agency.
Be heard. Don't walk away in frustration. Chances are, you'll want to give up several times before this is over, but your diligence and effort will pay off in the end. Don't give up!
Deadbeat Parents Are Guilty Of Neglect
The void left by nonpayment of support is extreme for the parent who cares for the child. The absent parent's actions can plunge the family into a financial and legal quagmire from which it can be difficult to recover. The costs of health care, shelter, food, education, and clothing must be covered despite the lack of child support. Children can't be raised on air alone.
State agencies are mandated by federal law to enforce child actions can plunge the family into a financial and legal quagmire from which it can be difficult to recover. The costs of health care, shelter, food, education, and clothing must be covered despite the lack of child support. Children can't be raised on air alone.