On behalf of Stange Law Firm, PC posted in child support on Friday, January 20, 2017.
For those who are unable to pay child support, a number of hurdles may lie ahead. For example, missing child support payments can lead to stiff fines, arrest and even time behind bars. In Jackson County, Missouri, parents who do not pay child support may also suffer serious damage to their reputation. However, there are other consequences that can interrupt the lives of those with back child support, such as the Passport Denial Program.
According to the Administration for Children & Families, a non-custodial parent who owes more than $2,500 in unpaid child support will have their passport application turned down because of the Passport Denial Program. Even when parents are released from the Passport Denial Program, their applications are retained for 90 days. Sometimes, parents in this position will need to apply for a passport again.
In addition to passport applications being rejected, unpaid child support can also prevent non-custodial parents from using a passport that has already been issued. In some cases, those with back child support have their current passport restricted or even revoked, which can prevent them from traveling for business purposes, keep them from visiting family members who live in other countries and take away their ability to travel internationally.
Fortunately, parents who cannot afford to pay child support may have various options to avoid these consequences. On top of creating a payment plan, some can have their child support order modified because of major changes that recently occurred, such as a sharp drop in their monthly income.
