Child support is crucial for the well-being and development of children after parents separate. It ensures that both parents contribute financially to their child’s needs, covering essentials like food, shelter, education, and healthcare.
Penalties for non-payment of child support
When your ex refuses to pay child support in New York, the Child Support Enforcement Unit (CSEU) can take direct action to collect unpaid support, including:
- Wage garnishment: They can issue an income withholding order to the non-paying parent’s employer, ensuring that child support payments come directly from their paycheck.
- Tax refund interception: They can intercept federal and state tax refunds to cover overdue payments.
- Asset seizure: The CSEU can seize assets, such as bank accounts and property, to satisfy the child support debt.
- License suspension: They can suspend various licenses, including driver’s, professional, and recreational licenses.
- Credit Reporting: Non-payment can be reported to credit bureaus, negatively impacting the non-paying parent’s credit score.
- Passport denial: If arrears exceed a certain amount, your ex may face passport denial or revocation.
- Contempt of court: Courts may find the non-paying parent in contempt, which can result in fines or even jail time.
These penalties ensure compliance, serve as strong deterrents against non-payment, and provide effective means to recover overdue support.
Proposing a payment plan
If your ex is behind on child support payments, they can contact the CSEU to discuss a payment plan. This plan can break down the total arrears into easy-to-manage monthly payments. Another option is to seek mediation, which can be a less stressful way to resolve the issue.
Taking legal action
If your ex continues to refuse payment, you may want to seek legal professionals who can help you file a violation petition in Family Court. This petition states that your ex has not complied with the child support order, prompting the court to schedule a hearing.
At the hearing, the judge will review the evidence and may take further enforcement actions to compel payment. With proper legal guidance, you have a higher chance of receiving the support you deserve for your child’s stable and healthy upbringing.