You and your ex have a duty to care for the children you have together, but what happens when your ex refuses to do their part? When your ex stops paying child support, it can create financial challenges for you and your child. Thankfully, there are options under Alabama law to pursue unpaid child support and get the money your child is entitled to.
Whether through financial penalties or even more severe legal actions, there are steps you can take to collect unpaid child support and maintain the financial support your child deserves.
Corrective Financial Actions
The first steps you can take to recover unpaid child support often involve financial consequences for your ex. One of the most effective methods is wage garnishment, where the court orders the payments to be directly deducted from your ex’s paycheck. Wage garnishment can also extend to unemployment benefits, workers’ compensation, and retirement funds, depending on how much is owed, your ex’s ability to pay it back, and other circumstances the court will consider. Another financial tool for recourse is intercepting tax returns. Federal and state tax refunds can be redirected to cover child support once the unpaid amount reaches $500.
Additionally, if the unpaid child support reaches a significant amount a lien can be placed on your ex’s property. This means they cannot sell or refinance their property without settling the debt first. Reporting unpaid support to credit agencies is another option. When reported, your ex’s credit score will suffer, making it harder for them to secure loans or credit until the debt is paid.
Corrective Legal Actions
There are other, more severe legal actions available if financial penalties don’t motivate your ex to pay. One option is suspending various licenses. Alabama law allows for the suspension of driver’s licenses, professional licenses, recreational licenses, and even passports for failing to pay child support. These suspensions can place significant pressure on your ex to meet their obligations.
A more significant step is to hold your ex in contempt of court. When someone is in contempt for non-payment of child support, they risk being jailed. In extreme cases, federal prosecution may be involved if your ex crosses state lines to avoid paying child support.
Fight for the Child Support Owed to Your Child
Child support payments are essential for raising your child and meeting their needs. If your ex has stopped making these payments, they are not fulfilling their legal responsibilities and will become a target of Alabama family law courts or even criminal courts. Our law firm is here to help you take action and ensure the financial support your child deserves is received promptly. Contact John M. Totten, P.C. to discuss your case and find the best solution for your family.
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