Child support is a legal obligation that ensures both parents contribute to the financial well-being of their children. The non-payment of child support payments is known as child support arrears. When one parent fails to meet this obligation, it can lead to financial stress and hardship for the custodial parent and the child. In such situations, you must take action to enforce child support payments and maintain financial stability. Our Tampa child support enforcement attorneys can help with this.
Child Support Arrears in Florida: How to Handle Non-Payment of Child Support
The first step in addressing non-payment of child support is open communication. Talk to the non-paying parent to discuss the importance of child support and try to understand their reasoning. It is possible to resolve misunderstandings or financial difficulties through a straightforward conversation.
Keep Records of Child Support Conversations
Keeping records is beneficial when dealing with child support issues. Maintain a detailed record of all communication related to child support, including text messages, emails, and phone calls. Document these conversations’ dates, times, and content as evidence if you need to take further steps.
Modify the Child Support Agreement
There are reasons to modify child support agreements in Florida. If the non-payment is due to a change in circumstances, such as a job loss or a decrease in income, consider modifying the child support agreement. A modified agreement can be more realistic for the non-paying parent and help avoid further legal complications. Our Tampa court order modification attorneys can walk you through this process.
Consider Garnishment for Child Support Payments
Sometimes, you may explore wage garnishment to ensure child support payments in Florida. This legal process allows child support to be automatically deducted from the non-paying parent’s paycheck, ensuring regular payments. According to CBS News, over 30% of support funds fail to make it to custodial parents in the U.S. Even after divorce, both parents must commit to supporting their child financially.
