Child support enforcement penalties may soon change

On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in Paternity/Child Support on Thursday, November 8, 2018.

Missouri parents may be looking forward to the holiday season, which is quickly approaching once again. Though there is much to look forward to, the holiday season can also become costly. Many families pay for special meals, travel expenses and gifts for loved ones. Though certainly enjoyable, parents need to be sure they set aside enough money to cover their regular financial obligations like child support.

Currently, a parent who falls behind in child support payments may be subject to penalty, and one current punishment for non-payment utilized by the state is suspension of a driver’s license. If a parent who is not up to date on payments loses his or her ability to drive, he or she may lose his or her job or be unable to meet scheduled appointments. A parent who is behind on child support may also have a professional license suspended.

The governor of Missouri is trying to change the license suspension penalty. He reasons that a parent who is already behind may fall further behind if he or she loses his or her job or winds up in jail for non-payment. There has been no news on when this change may happen or what penalties may replace the current.

If a parent feels he or she needs some help when it comes time to establish, enforce or modify a child support order, he or she may want to contact an understanding attorney. An attorney may be able to help a parent ensure that his or her child’s financial needs are met without fear of a serious penalty for non-payment. An attorney may be more familiar with the court process and can explain what a client can expect moving forward as he or she deals with the issue at hand.

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