Lower Threshold for Stiff Child Support Delinquency Punishment

SAN DIEGO DIVORCE LAWYERS

Rhode Island Considers Lower Threshold for Stiff Child Support Delinquency Punishment

Most people understand that if a parent is ordered to pay child support and if that parent does not remain current on those payments, that parent can face serious legal consequences.  In many cases, a parent who is not making timely child support payments can face penalties, interest and even jail time if the non-payment continues for long enough.  However, it seems that Rhode Island is considering putting even tougher variables in place when it comes to the non-payment of child support.

Specifically, a bill has been introduced to the state legislature that would reduce the threshold of potential jail time as a result of failing to pay child support from $10,000 in total arrearages to $5,000.  In addition, any parent who is found to be more than $5,000 in arrears with regards to child support payments could face a felony charge.  If a parent is convicted of this charge, he or she could face up to five years in prison as a result.

Clearly, both sides of this issue are reacting loudly to this bill, which to date has not been scheduled for a vote.  Some are applauding the bill as a step in the right direction given the number of parents who are not current on their child support payments.  However, others are stating that such a bill would only decrease the possibility that a parent would ever catch up to those payments in the future.

San Diego Child Support Lawyers

The fact of the matter is that many parents who are under an order of child support encounter a change in circumstances that substantially affects their ability to make these payments.  However, it is never a good idea to simply stop making the payments and hope for the best.  Instead, parents in this position need to be proactive in working to modify that order.

If you are facing a problem with regards to child support, you need to obtain the help of San Diego child support lawyers who have been helping fathers through this difficult situation for many years.  Contact the Men’s Legal Center today to schedule an initial consultation.

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