In any divorce involving children in Massachusetts, couples must determine how their children will be cared for financially. This obligation is known as child support. If you and your spouse cannot agree on child support, the court will decide the appropriate amount of child support the non-custodial parent must provide to the custodial parent using a specific formula that considers the income of both parents. Child support is intended to cover the child’s necessities, such as food, shelter, clothing, and other general costs. Once the court orders child support, the non-custodial parent is legally required to pay it. Unfortunately, a non-custodial parent may stop making payments because they can’t afford it. However, failure to uphold this obligation will result in severe consequences. Please continue reading to learn about the potential consequences of failing to pay child support and how our trusted Bristol County Child Support Lawyers can help you request a modification to your existing child support order.
What Will Happen If a Parent Fails to Pay Child Support in Massachusetts?
While there may be legitimate reasoning for failing to pay child support, you are still obligated under the law to provide this type of financial support to preserve your child’s best interests. Therefore, if you lose your job or have a significant change in income, you can file a motion with the court to modify an existing child support order. When there’s a substantial change in circumstances, it can be grounds for modifying your support order.
When a parent stops paying child support, it can be stressful for the other parent, as they solely support their child financially. It’s crucial to understand that the Child Support Enforcement Act of 1984 is a federal law that authorizes the right to collect arrearages and imposes penalties on parents who fail to uphold their support obligations. That said, if a non-custodial parent continuously fails to pay child support, the court will enforce the order by:
- Garnishing the non-custodial parent’s wages
- Intercepting the non-custodial parent’s unemployment insurance
- Intercepting the non-custodial parent’s tax returns
- Suspending the non-custodial parent’s tax returns
- Placing a lien on the non-custodial parent’s property
- Freezing the non-custodial parent’s bank accounts
- Filing a civil contempt order (result in jail time or a diversion program)
Ultimately, to ensure the rights of you and your children are fully protected, it’s in your best interest to enlist the help of a skilled Bristol County child support lawyer from The Law Offices of Cynthia L. Hanley, P.C. If you’ve failed to make your child support payments, we can help you file a petition with the court to modify your existing child support order.
