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Failure to Pay Child Support in Minnesota

Failure to Pay Child Support in Minnesota

Once a court orders child support, the parent is required by law to pay it. When a parent stops paying it, there are consequences. Of course, many reasons exist why a parent may stop, but if it is because of a substantial change in circumstances, that parent should properly go through the courts to request a modification of child support. 

At Heritage Law Office, we know that child support payments made timely are always in the best interest of the child. Our child support lawyer in Minnesota will help any parent enforce the order. Contact us either by using our online form or calling us directly at 414-253-8500 to schedule a free consultation.

When a Parent Fails to Pay Child Support in Minnesota

When a parent fails to pay child support, there may be a reason for it. Loss of income, however, is not a valid reason. That said, if the non-custodial parent does lose their job, they can file a motion to modify the child support order. 

Many times, a court does not initially order the child support to be garnished from the parent's wages. So, the parent just stops paying. Other times, the non-custodial parent's wages are garnished, but the parent quicks the job and finds another job without telling anyone and then stops paying child support.

Whatever the situation is, when a parent fails to pay child support, that can be stressful on the other parent––especially when they depend on the money for caring for the child. Child support can be used for things like:

  • Costs to maintain the home (e.g., paying utilities)
  • Food
  • Clothing
  • Transportation
  • Public school education expenses
  • Entertainment for the child

When child support payments stop suddenly and aren't paid for any length of time, that can put a serious financial burden on the custodial parent. 

How to Respond to a Parent's Failure to Pay Child Support

How to respond depends on the circumstances of each individual case. Much of it has to do with whether or not a child support order was ever filed.

No Child Support Order

Sometimes, parents come to an agreement about child support. The non-custodial parent will agree to pay a certain amount each month. They come to this agreement with the involvement of the courts, and so a court order is never filed. When the parent fails to pay it, you often do not have a way to make the non-custodial parent pay. A court cannot enforce an order that does not exist. That's why you always want to go through the courts for child support, child custody, and spousal support––it is the only way to protect yourself and your child. Your best bet is to talk to the other parent and try to come to an agreement. If that fails, you should contact a child support lawyer in Minnesota to file a petition with the court for child support.

Court Order Issued

If you do have a court order, the starting point can still be the same: talk to the other parent and find out what has happened and come up with a plan. If that does not work, contact a lawyer. Some states have a time frame before it considers child support payments as late, and our child support attorney will advise you regarding it as well as guiding you through the process to enforce the child support order, among other potential remedies.

Typically, a notice is sent to the non-paying parent first. The notice explains the child support enforcement process and provides a timeline to comply with the notice.

Interstate Issues

If the non-paying parent lives in another state, the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act, a federal law, allows the custodial parent to collect child support across state lines. Child support orders are enforceable by the state where the order was originally issued––this is known as continuing jurisdiction. In fact, even if the custodial parent moves with the child outside the state where the original child support order was issued, the same state has jurisdiction. Likewise, if the non-paying parent needs to modify child support, the laws of the original state will apply.  

Possible Consequences for Failure to Pay Child Support in Minnesota

Co-parenting is hard enough when everyone plays by the rules, but when one parent stops, it can be frustrating. The so-called deadbeat parent is considered to be “in arrears” when they fail to pay child support, and the support owed is called “arrearages.” 

The Child Support Enforcement Act of 1984 is federal law authorizing district and state attorneys the right to collect arrearages and to impose penalties on the non-paying parent. The penalties may include:

  • Garnishing wages 
  • Intercepting unemployment insurance
  • Intercepting tax return
  • Suspending driver's license
  • Suspending a professional license
  • Placing a lien on the home or other property
  • Freezing bank accounts
  • Filing a civil contempt order, which could result in jail time or a diversion program

Can a Parent in Minnesota Stop Visitation if the Other Parent Fails to Pay Support?

Custody and visitation rights are completely separate from child support. One parent cannot prevent a child from visiting with the non-paying parent on the ground of failure to pay child support. Keeping a child from the non-paying parent can create legal problems for the custodial parent. 

Contact a Child Support Lawyer in Minnesota Today

At Heritage Law Office, our child support lawyer wants what is in the best interest of the child. That means child support should be paid. If the parent cannot afford it, the parent should go through the proper process to request a modification. If you want to know what to do in your unique situation, contact us today through our online form or call 414-253-8500 to schedule a free consultation and find out what your legal options are.

Picture Banner of Frequently Asked Questions About Article Topic: Failure to Pay Child Support in Minnesota

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What Does It Mean to Be “In Arrears” in Child Support Payments?

When a parent is "in arrears," it means they have missed one or more child support payments and owe back support. The amount owed in missed payments is called "arrearages," and failure to pay these can lead to serious legal consequences, including wage garnishment and suspension of driver's or professional licenses.

2. Can Loss of Employment Be Considered a Valid Reason for Not Paying Child Support?

Loss of employment is generally not a valid reason for skipping child support payments. If a non-custodial parent loses their job, the proper action is to file a motion in court to modify the child support order. Until the court approves this modification, the parent is legally obligated to continue making payments.

3. What Happens if the Non-Custodial Parent Moves to Another State?

Under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA), child support orders are enforceable across state lines. Even if the non-custodial parent moves to another state, the custodial parent can still seek enforcement of the order in the state where it was originally issued, which retains continuing jurisdiction over the case.

4. Can Visitation Rights Be Withheld if a Parent Fails to Pay Child Support?

No, child visitation rights and child support are two separate issues under the law. A custodial parent cannot withhold visitation rights if the non-custodial parent fails to pay child support. Doing so can lead to legal repercussions for the custodial parent.

5. What Legal Actions Can a Custodial Parent Take if the Non-Custodial Parent Stops Paying Child Support?

When a non-custodial parent fails to pay child support, the custodial parent has various avenues for legal recourse. They can seek the help of state child support enforcement agencies, which can impose penalties such as wage garnishments, freezing bank accounts, and filing civil contempt orders. Consulting with an experienced child support attorney can help guide the custodial parent through this process effectively.

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For a comprehensive plan that will meet your needs or the needs of a loved one, contact us today. Located in Downtown Milwaukee, we serve Milwaukee County, surrounding communities, and to clients across Wisconsin, Minnesota, Illinois, and California.

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