When parents of a child are not awarded custody in a divorce case, they almost always are ordered to pay child support until that child or those children reach the statutory age or advancement limit. Generally speaking, child support payments and enforcement are state law matters, and those who fail to remain current on these payments can face serious legal problems. However, there are certain situations where the federal government can get involved, and that effort took a big step forward recently.
The Office of the Inspector General, better known by many as the OIG, has recently launched a Web site designed to provide information regarding parents who are wanted for a failure to pay child support. The Web site provides an opportunity for people to provide information regarding the whereabouts of those wanted for this reason. According to reports, at least five parents have already been captured because of the information contained on this new Web site.
As stated above, child support enforcement is generally a state law matter, but the federal government can get involved when certain conditions are present. These conditions include when a parent fails to pay child support for more than one year or when parents owe at least $5,000 in past-due child support and the children live in a different state. This new Web site is expected to increase the ability of those involved to deal with this problem.
San Diego Child Support Lawyers
Clearly, there are many situations where a non-custodial parent either encounters problems with the ability to pay child support or when the amount of child support being paid should change for whatever reason. However, parents in this position should not simply stop making payments. Instead, they should seek the help of experienced professionals to handle this issue in a legal and proactive manner.
If you are facing problems with regards to these payments, seek the help of San Diego child support lawyers who have been fighting for the rights of husbands and fathers for many years. Contact the Men’s Legal Center today to schedule an initial consultation.