Divorce or separation can bring about significant financial changes, especially when it comes to supporting your children. Child support is a central aspect of ensuring your child’s well-being, but what happens when child support goes unpaid?
It is important for parents to realize how unpaid support can impact different aspects of their lives, including their careers.
Child support enforcement
Failing to make child support payments can have significant consequences. The receiving parent can take action to enforce the payment. According to the Department of Social and Health Services, this may result in property liens, the suspension of the non-paying parent’s driver’s license or professional license and contempt charges. These legal consequences can adversely affect a parent’s career and financial stability.
Delinquent child support payments may become reported to credit bureaus, leading to a lower credit score and difficulty in obtaining loans or credit in the future. This can hinder a parent’s ability to accomplish career goals or secure housing and other necessities.
Professional licenses and opportunities
Some professions require individuals to maintain good standing with their financial obligations, including child support. Failure to pay child support can lead to the suspension or revocation of professional licenses. This can severely limit job opportunities and hinder career advancement. Unpaid child support can also affect a parent’s employment opportunities. Many employers conduct background checks. A history of unpaid child support can raise concerns about a candidate’s reliability and responsibility.
It is essential for both parents to fulfill their obligations to ensure the best interests of their child and maintain a healthy co-parenting relationship. Parents facing financial problems should look into strategies to stay current on child support.
