On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Paternity/Child Support on Tuesday, June 19, 2018.
Missouri parents are likely aware that when it comes to raising children, sometimes complications can arise. For parents who maintain separate households, it is common for the court to put a child support order into place. A child support order details the an amount of money typically to be paid from one parent to the other on behalf of the needs of any children they share.
A child support order is a legally binding document, and failure to comply can result in criminal conviction. Fines, probation, or even jail time are possible consequences a violator could face. Recently, a Missouri newspaper published an overview of recent cases that made their way through the local court system. In addition to cases for many other serious crimes, several cases had stemmed from an individual’s apparent nonpayment of court-ordered child support.
For those found guilty, strict penalties were imposed. Amounts of arrears ranged from less than $100 to thousands. When a parent is unwilling or unable to comply with a child support order, he or she is not allowed to simply stop making payments. If a parent feels that a substantial change in circumstances has rendered him or her unable to keep current, there are legal ways to go about having an order reviewed or changed.
Parents should know that when it comes to child support compliance, the matter is taken very seriously by law enforcement. A conviction can be a mar on a person’s criminal record, which can affect one’s future negatively. If a parent is questioning his or hr ability to follow through with a child support order, or needs help enforcing an existing order, it can be useful to seek the guidance of an attorney experienced in family law. An attorney may be able to more clearly explain a person’s unique circumstances, and may help ensure that any children involved are not forced to go without because of a parent’s nonpayment.
