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The reality of child support

On Behalf of | Dec 3, 2013 | Child Support |

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As the national economy continues to struggle and millions of people in Illinois face serious financial challenges, many are not able to keep up with even their regular monthly bills. As a result, countless families are contending with child support issues. Fortunately, there are options for parents dealing with such complications and hardships to help ensure that they and their children receive the financial support they deserve.

When a parent fails to make their required child support payments, sometimes the parent with primary custody withholds visitation rights to the child. Until the child support conflict is resolved, however, the visitation agreement should continue to be followed by both parties.

It’s also important that parents recognize that sometimes legitimate financial hardships prohibit individuals from making their full support payments on time. That’s why child support modifications can be made through the court at any time. Furthermore, the state of Illinois has anti-retroactive modification laws in place to encourage parents to address any payment issues immediately.

Parents also have the option of taking legal action in the event that they do not receive child support payments, especially after an extended amount of time. In some cases law enforcement will take measures to enforce child support agreements by garnishing wages, suspending driver’s licenses or even arresting individuals.

In 2009, parents owed approximately $108 billion in overdue child support payments. While there are no official calculations for 2013, the amount has likely increased considerably since then. That’s why it’s important that parents work together to come to an agreement that is both realistic and achievable, so that the financial needs of the child are always accounted for.

Source: U. S. News, “What to Do When Your Ex Won’t (or Can’t) Pay Child Support,” Geoff Williams, Nov. 20, 2013

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