Collecting unpaid child support is an on going problem for many former spouses. High unemployment and the national economic situation leads to more people than ever unable to meet their financial obligations including child support payments. There are a growing number of people who have exhausted their unemployment benefits and cannot find work. Bankruptcy does not offer relief for a former spouse who is behind in support payments. California and other states have implemented new ways to help encourage parents to stay current on child support obligations.
In order to cut down on the amount of unpaid child support California has enacted provisions that allow for interest and surcharges to be added to delinquent child support accounts. The employment prospects for many people is dim and, for someone who is unemployed, the probability of catching up on missed payment is very unlikely. Some have lost hope that they will ever be able to get caught up on their child support payments. The threat of jail time is almost like adding insult to injury for those who are facing that prospect.
California has a provision to charge interest on delinquent child support accounts. In addition, when a parent required to pay child support is 30 days or more delinquent, their name can be submitted by the Department of Child Support Services (DCSS) to the DMV for suspension of their drivers license. DMV sends a letter giving the parent 150 days to work with DCSS to pay their past due support. If payment isn’t made, the driver license suspension will take place. Unfortunately, the surcharge law made no distinction between someone who is financially able to make payments and doesn’t and someone who was unable to pay because of job loss or disability.
Parents in California have options available for collecting delinquent child support. California families may utilize services available through the California Department of Child Services. If your child is suffering from the effects of unpaid child support payments the Law Offices of Anat Resnik may be able to help.
If you have a question regarding Family Law in California please contact us at (818) 926-4420 or visit the Family Law section on our website at Law Offices of Anat Resnik. Call today and we will connect you with Anat Resnik, an experienced, aggressive, affordable Divorce and Family Law Attorney in California. After you have spoken with our California Family Law attorney, we can schedule you a free face to face appointment to discuss your circumstances. If you have questions or are considering any aspect of filing for Divorce, a Paternity issues, Child Custody and Visitation, Spousal Support & Alimony, etc. we can help! Call us now at(818) 926-4420. We look forward to hearing from you and assisting you with any and all family law needs.
