On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Child Support on Thursday, December 20, 2012.
We tend to talk about child support from a state level. However, it should be noted that when it comes to unpaid child support it can also become a federal issue. In cases where a parent is believed to be hiding out in another country, it can also lead to deportation. A conviction of failure to pay child support can also lead to things like wage garnishment, fines and even jail time.
An example of this was highlighted in the news recently when a 50-year-old father was deported back to the U.S. from the Philippines. The father supposedly owes more than $1 million in child support for his three children. These three children are from two different marriages.
According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the father has not paid child support in more than 10 years. Now, he is expected to face the charges in federal court.
It should be noted though that this is only one side of the story and that the father does have a lawyer and plans to explain his side of what happened in court.
For fathers living in Illinois who are paying child support, what this national story goes to show is that authorities will actively pursue those who are behind on child support payments. This is why it’s important to have a clear understanding of how child support payments are determined and how they will work from the beginning. Those who are living in fear of falling behind on payments should also actively reach out to a child support attorney as soon as one realizes it’s going to be an issue.
Source: The Wall Street Journal, “Feds say NY man owes $1 million in child support,” Dec. 18, 2012
