On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Paternity/Child Support on Tuesday, September 25, 2018.
Missouri parents may already be aware that failing to make timely payments for a court ordered obligation can result in the imposition of legal penalties. Child support orders are enforceable by law, and falling behind on payments can result in myriad of troubles. One common repercussion in the state is that a parent who has failed to comply with a child support order for a period of three months may have his or her driver’s license suspended. Recently, an unrelated situation has some hoping to change this sentence.
Missouri now faces a problem shared by the nation as a whole. An industry-wide shortage of truck drivers has many desperate for a solution. The United States largely relies on big trucks as a way to quickly ship goods from place to place. The shortage of qualified drivers has lead many to request action, and Governor Parsons is among those trying to use quick thinking to remedy the crisis.
Governor Parsons argues that though nonpayment of child support should remain a punishable offense, the particular penalty of license suspension should be changed. The thinking behind the proposal reasons that parents who may be unemployed and struggling to make payments could find gainful employment if they had the opportunity to drive trucks. Without a valid license, a person cannot drive at all, and the trucking industry will continue to face the shortage. Though no details have been released as to what sort of penalty may replace the current driving suspensions, the governor hopes to have a new law in place next year.
Parents may be worried that they are not up to date on the latest laws involving child support orders. In many cases, it may be wise to work with an experienced attorney. An attorney would be able to help when a parent needs to establish, modify, or enforce a child support order.
