Child support isn’t optional in Washington. When ordered to pay support, parents can face severe consequences for failing to pay. Of course, life doesn’t stand still, and many diligent parents end up facing tight finances. They want to pay—but simply can’t. In this article, our child support attorney looks at what happens in Washington if you don’t pay child support.
Here are the Consequences
A parent who misses child support payments can face any of the following:
- Wage garnishment
- Liens on property
- Seizure of personal property, such as your car
- Interception of tax refunds
- Suspension of driver’s license
- Revocation of professional licenses
- Inability to obtain or renew a passport
- Garnishment of unemployment benefits
- Placement on the Washington Division of Child Support “Most Wanted” List
- Contempt of court
These are serious consequences. When your wages are garnished, your employer withholds a certain amount and sends it to the state (who forwards it on to the other parent). Your wages will be garnished until you catch up on your support obligations.
If a judge finds you in contempt of court, then you could be fined or even sent to jail until you convince a judge you will start paying again. Being jailed is usually a last-ditch effort, and many judges hesitate, but it can happen.
Why Parents Don’t Pay
Some parents disappear from their children’s lives and feel they don’t need to pay if they no longer stay in touch. But other parents can’t pay due to sudden, unforeseen difficulties:
- You lose your job or have your hours cut
- You get sick and can’t work
- You become disabled
- You are incarcerated for committing a crime
- You have significant, unexpected expenses
Helpfully, a parent can request a modification of their child support obligation. You will submit the request to either a judge or the Division of Child Support.
Until the judge or state agency agrees, you continue to owe the amount set in the original child support order. You can’t decide to stop paying, regardless of the difficulties you face. Unpaid child support obligations will continue to pile up and might accrue interest.
Be Proactive
You are not the first person to face difficulties, like sickness or disability. The best thing is to quickly bring your financial difficulties to the attention of a judge or the Division of Child Support. You can ask for a modification, which will reduce or suspend payments. You will need to convince the judge that you deserve a modification based on evidence.
A parent seeking modification should reach out to an experienced child support lawyer for assistance. Our legal team can help you pull together evidence in support of your request.
Call The Alliance Law Group Today
Child support obligations create difficulties for many parents, but your life will only become more stressful if your license is suspended or you end up behind bars. Contact our firm to discuss whether it makes sense to request a modification and what supporting documents or evidence you will need.
Navigating Child Support Challenges in Washington: What Happens When Payments are Missed
In Washington, child support is not a discretionary commitment—it’s a legal obligation. When parents fail to meet this obligation, severe consequences can unfold. Life’s challenges, such as financial constraints, often leave well-intentioned parents unable to pay. In this exploration, our child support attorney sheds light on the repercussions of non-payment in Washington.
Consequences of Missed Payments: A Serious Matter
Failure to meet child support commitments can result in a cascade of consequences, including:
- Wage Garnishment: Your employer may be directed to withhold a specified amount from your wages, ensuring timely support payments.
- Property Liens: Your property may face liens, impacting your ability to buy, sell, or refinance.
- Seizure of Personal Property: Tangible assets, like your car, may be subject to seizure to satisfy outstanding support obligations.
- Tax Refund Interception: Unpaid child support could lead to the interception of your tax refunds.
- Driver’s License Suspension: Your driver’s license might be suspended, affecting your mobility and daily life.
- Professional License Revocation: For those with professional licenses, such as lawyers or doctors, non-payment could lead to revocation.
- Passport Restrictions: Inability to obtain or renew a passport could curtail international travel plans.
- Unemployment Benefit Garnishment: Even unemployment benefits may be garnished to meet child support obligations.
- “Most Wanted” List Placement: You could be listed on the Washington Division of Child Support’s “Most Wanted” list.
- Contempt of Court: Contempt charges might be brought, leading to fines or, in extreme cases, imprisonment until payment resumes.
Understanding the Challenges: Reasons Behind Non-Payment
Parents facing financial strains often grapple with circumstances beyond their control:
- Job Loss or Reduced Hours: Unemployment or reduced working hours can severely impact financial stability.
- Health Issues: Sickness or disability may hinder a parent’s ability to work and meet support obligations.
- Incarceration: Legal troubles resulting in incarceration can disrupt financial capabilities.
- Unexpected Expenses: Unforeseen financial burdens can strain available resources.
Seeking Modification: A Legal Remedy
Facing difficulties doesn’t permit unilateral decisions to cease payments. Proactivity is key. Parents can request a modification of their child support obligation, presenting the request to either a judge or the Division of Child Support. Until approval, the original order’s amount remains owed, emphasizing the necessity of seeking timely modification. The accumulation of unpaid support may incur interest, amplifying financial strain.
Proactive Measures: Seeking Assistance
Swiftly addressing financial challenges is crucial. Seeking the guidance of an experienced child support lawyer is advisable. Legal assistance aids in assembling evidence supporting the modification request, bolstering the case for reduced or suspended payments.
Contact The Alliance Law Group
Child support obligations present real challenges, but proactive measures can mitigate the impact on your life. Avoiding license suspension or incarceration is paramount. Contact our firm for a comprehensive discussion on the viability of requesting a modification and the requisite supporting documentation. The Alliance Law Group stands ready to guide you through these complexities and advocate for your best interests.