When two people get divorced, child support is one of the topics often addressed. Few people know what to expect from a child support agreement, and even fewer understand the implications of not paying child support. This article will discuss what child support is and what happens if you don't pay it. We will also cover some common misconceptions about child support payments.
What Is Child Support And How It Implies?
Child support is a payment made by a non-custodial parent to the custodial parent for the financial support of their child or children. The amount of child support that is ordered is based on many factors, including;
Parent's income
The number of children involved,
Custody arrangement.
In most cases, child support payments are made until the child reaches the age of 18. In some cases, however, payments may be ordered for a longer period, such as when the child has special needs. An Annapolis Child Support lawyer can help you determine how much you will need to pay for child support.
What Happens If You Don't Pay Child Support?
If you don't pay child support, a few things could happen. The first is that the court could order wage garnishment. A specific portion of your paycheck would be given to the other parent for child support. Another possibility is that you could be held in contempt of court, resulting in fines or even jail time.
There are also some practical implications of not paying child support. For instance, if you owe a large amount of child support and try to get a loan, the lender will likely check your credit report. If they see that you have unpaid child support, they may be less likely to approve your loan.
Child support can be a complex topic to navigate, but it's essential to understand its implications if you don't pay it. If you have any questions about child support or need help enforcing a child support order, contact an experienced lawyer today.
How To Determine The Amount Of Child Support?
If you or the other parent are ordered to pay child support, the amount will be based on many factors. The state will also have child support guidelines that will be used to determine the amount of support.
Although the guidelines are not always followed, they provide a good starting point for figuring out how much child support should be paid. Some of the factors that are considered when determining the amount of child support include:
Parent's income
Number of children
Final custody arrangement
Children's needs
The lifestyle of the child
The age of the child
The state's child support guidelines
An attorney can help you understand how these factors will affect the child support you are ordered to pay. They can also help you negotiate a fair and reasonable child support agreement.
How To Modify Or Request Payments For Child Support?
Modification of a child support order can only be done through the court. You will need to file a petition with the court and provide evidence that there has been a change in circumstances. Once the petition is filed, the court will review the case and decide.
If you are requesting payments for child support, you will need to contact your local child support enforcement office. They will help you collect the payments that are owed to you.
Myths About Child Support
While there are facts about child support, there are also many myths. It's essential to understand the difference between the two so that you can make informed decisions about your case. Some of the most common myths about child support include:
Child support is always paid in cash - This is not true. Child support can be paid in many different ways, including; through wage garnishment, check, or money order.
The non-custodial parent always pays child support - In some cases, the custodial parent may be ordered to pay child support to the non-custodial parent. This is usually only done in cases where the custodial parent has a higher income than the non-custodial parent. If the custodial parent is unemployed or underemployed, the court may impute income to them, which means they will be ordered to pay child support as if they were earning a certain amount of money.
The child support order will last until the child turns 18 - In most cases, the child support order will last until the child turns 18. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For instance, if the child is still in high school when they turn 18, the support order may continue until they graduate.
Final Words
Child support is an important topic, and it's one that you should understand if you are a parent. With the help of an experienced attorney, you can make sure that you are getting the support you need. You can also find more information about child support on the website of your state's child support enforcement office.
Remember that there are always consequences for not paying child support. If you don't pay, you may be held in contempt of court, resulting in fines or even jail time. If you struggle to make your payments, talk to an attorney about your options. They can help you find a solution that works for you and your family.
