What Indiana Fathers Should Know About Child Support
Fathers in Indiana who pay child support should be aware of the rules surrounding their obligations so they do not fail to pay when they are supposed to, as well as repercussions for non-payment.
September 07, 2012
What Indiana Fathers Should Know About Child SupportWhile men and women are becoming more equal in society regarding educational and job opportunities, an overwhelming number of mothers still get primary physical custody of children when parents split up. This means that fathers are usually the ones who are paying child support. Fathers in Indiana who pay child support should be aware of the rules regulating their obligations so they do not inadvertently fail to pay when they are supposed to, as well as the potential repercussions for non-payment of child support.
Custody and Visitation
In many cases, even if a father obtains some form of custody it may not prevent a child support order from being entered against the father. A father in Indiana will receive a parenting time credit based on the number of overnights the child spends with the father each year, but it will usually not completely eliminate the child support obligation.
Even if the father has court-ordered parenting time but the mother interferes with him seeing his children, he cannot simply stop paying child support in response. He needs to seek a court order compelling the mother to allow him to see the children.
Moving out of the state will not get a father out of paying child support, either. Custodial parents can forward child support orders to whatever state the non-custodial parent moves.
Financial Troubles
Without a modification of a child support order, financial troubles will not excuse payment of child support. Job loss does not release a person from paying child support unless the person who owes support petitions the court to reduce the amount owed because of changed circumstances.
Filing bankruptcy is not a protection from child support obligations, either. Unlike most other types of debt, unpaid child support is not dischargeable in bankruptcy.
Penalties for Failure to Pay
Those who fail to meet their child support obligations face a variety of penalties, including:
-Wage garnishment
-Income tax refund intercepts
-Professional and driver's licenses suspensions
-Motor vehicle liens
-Other liens and judgments
-Jail time for contempt of a court order
Talk to a Lawyer
Child support issues can be complicated and emotionally charged. Trying to sort through the matter alone can be overwhelming. If you are having child support issues, contact a qualified child support attorney for assistance.
Article provided by The Bellinger Law Office
Visit us at http://www.bellingerlaw.com