As a parent, you have an immense responsibility to do the best for your children. But with so much else going on in life, it can be easy to get sidetracked and focus on other matters instead of ensuring your children receive the full support they need and deserve. Unfortunately, if parents don't take appropriate steps towards enforcement, it could mean that their kids may not receive all the financial aid available to them from their noncustodial parent — increasing risk for far more than just trouble with bills or living expenses. That's why parents seeking child support payments need to understand how best to secure what is owed and ensure that their children will benefit from enforced court orders. This blog post will walk you through some strategic steps for effective child support enforcement.
When Child Support Payments Aren't Being Made
When children are not receiving their court-mandated child support, it can have far-reaching spiritual, financial, and emotional implications for the entire family. It is essential to do all you can to ensure your child receives the financial support they are due, as this can help them achieve higher education and a better quality of life. The impact of not receiving the funds in terms of higher levels of poverty and inadequate living situations can be detrimental, so take any necessary legal action to ensure your child's requisite support is being met. Failing to enforce the existing child support agreement compromises a sense of security for both parent and child alike, so fiduciary arrangements should be taken seriously to ensure the best future for all involved.
Contempt of Court
If the noncustodial parent has not paid according to the court order, a custodial parent can pursue contempt of court action. This is done by filing a motion with the court and asking the judge to require the noncustodial parent to explain why they have not honored their obligations. The judge may then decide on an appropriate punishment for their violation. To defend themselves, the noncustodial parent has the right to hire an attorney or act as their own representative in court.
Contempt could lead to fines and jail time, depending on the circumstances of the case.
How the Oklahoma court system and Child Support Services enforce child support orders:
· The Department of Human Services (DHS) has the legal authority to intercept federal and state income tax refunds to collect on child support payments not made by the obligated parent. This measure is effective in various situations that can arise between divorced or separated parents, as it applies to both federal and state returns, giving a wider range for recovery.
· Withholding orders are an effective tool for the DHS to retrieve child support payments from noncustodial parents. These withholding orders can target a variety of income sources, such as wages and salaries, financial accounts, workers' compensation, unemployment, retirement and disability benefits, as well as lottery winnings – in cases where that is applicable.
· When a noncustodial parent fails to pay their court-ordered child support, the Department of Human Services' most effective option for recovering these funds is often through a bank account or property attachment. This involves DHS drawing directly from any financial accounts they can locate owned by the delinquent parent and seizing any personal property held in their name.
· A parent who neglects to make timely payments can find that their driver's licenses and any state-issued IDs have been confiscated and have their professional, commercial, recreational, or other licenses suspended or revoked as a consequence. Passports may also be refused, suspended, or restricted when the noncustodial parent owes more than $5,000 in child support.
Contact Tiffany Graves Law For Child Support Enforcement
If you are dealing with child support enforcement and family law issues, the attorneys at Tiffany Graves Law are here to help. We understand that this can be a complicated and stressful process, and we don't want you to have to go through it alone. Our experienced team of Tulsa attorneys has a solid foundation to provide you with the best legal services. At Tiffany Graves Law, we always put our clients first and are dedicated to upholding your rights above all else. If you need legal assistance, contact us at (918) 528-5156 today to arrange a consultation.
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