Divorce can complicate parenting efforts, especially if your ex refuses to comply with court orders. Not receiving child support payments, for example, can cause financial strain and stress as you try to provide for your children.
By law, your ex must pay child support payments or legal repercussions could apply. Knowing how to respond in this situation may enable you to recognize when to take action so you can avoid ongoing problems.
Communicate your concerns
The first step to take if your spouse withholds child support is to express your frustration directly. Away from your children, remind your ex of the court order and ask for clarification about the missing payments. If your ex has run into financial problems such as job loss, you may suggest modifying the court order or at least contacting the courts to prevent unnecessary repercussions.
If your spouse refuses to comply out of spite or other uncivil reasons, nothing may come of your discussion. When you have tried everything in your power to encourage responsibility and it continues to produce futile results, you may benefit from taking your concerns to someone with more power.
Report your situation
You have the right to report your situation to the courts. Hiring a legal professional to aid in this process can help you to describe the facts in a compelling manner. According to the Office of Child Support Enforcement, some of the consequences of unpaid child support include the following:
Property liens
Tax refund interception
Passport denial
Driver’s license suspension
A levy on personal financial accounts and a formal report of unpaid dues to credit bureaus are other consequences your ex may face. Proactive action can help you get a handle on your situation so you get the support you need and deserve.
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