The parent with whom a child lives most of the time often receives child support from the other parent. This allows both parents to share the costs of raising a child and provide a safe and consistent home-life. Unfortunately, not all parents comply with their court-ordered support obligations. Below you’ll find an overview of how child support works and how orders are enforced.

How Child Support Works

The first step is to obtain a court order for support. There are a few different ways to go about this. If you and the other parent can agree on an amount, this will be the least stressful route; you will submit the amount to a judge, who will approve it and issue an official order. If an agreement between you and the other parent is not possible, you can hire an attorney to submit a request to the court to issue an order.

How Orders Are Enforced

A noncustodial parent who does not comply with a child support order is in violation of the law. Through an attorney, you can ask the courts to enforce or amend an existing order and collect payment from the nonpaying parent. Some possible options for enforcement include income or tax refund withholding, reporting the nonpayment to credit agencies, and placing liens on property. The nonpaying parent's driver’s license can also be suspended or revoked until they pay the appropriate amount. In cases where more than $2,500 is owed, the parent's passport can be revoked or denied.

Hiring an attorney is an effective first step to recouping what you are owed from a noncompliant parent. With more than 35 years of combined experience, the lawyers at Burglin & Doxey, PC handle child support cases throughout the Fairbanks, AK, area. They also offer legal support for personal injury claims, business law issues, and estate planning. Call (907) 456-4020 or visit their website to schedule a consultation.

The information in this article is intended for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. Contact Burglin & Doxey directly for legal guidance.