On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Paternity/Child Support on Wednesday, March 26, 2014.
Child support is an important component of any divorce involving children. For clients in St. Charles, the amount is determined by a formula contained in the Missouri statues. The amount is calculated by various factors including the incomes of the parents and the custody time or parenting plan. Child support obligations are often contentious when parents lose sight of the purpose of the payment: it is for the care and support of the child.
Child support payments should not be used as weapon by either parent to “get back” at their former spouse. This type behavior can only lead to further deterioration in the relationship of the two parents, with the fallout negatively affecting the children.
And for the parent who is obligated to make the payment, it is important to remember that this obligation is virtually impossible eliminate by any other means than making the payment. It cannot be discharged in bankruptcy, and it does not expire. Your tax refunds can be garnished and the U.S. State Department can revoke your passport.
If you have trouble paying, you need to speak with an attorney for help in obtaining a modification of the child support order. Do not “walk away,” as that will make matters worse, as occurred in the case for one man who owes more than half a million dollars in back child support payments.
The man divorce in 1989, claimed he was disabled and only was paying $14 a month in child support for his four children. In 1996, he sold a software business worth more than $2 million and fled to parts unknown.
The U.S. Office of Inspector General reports he now owes $559,900 in arrears. He is their “Most Wanted Deadbeat” parent.
Source: Mlive.com, “Michigan father is ‘Most Wanted Deadbeat,’ owes more than $559,000 in child support,” Rex Hall Jr., March 20, 2014
