Divorced parents have an obligation to care for their children. One may face Illinois family court requirements to pay a specific amount of child support each month. Unfortunately, the other parent and the couple’s children might find the payments come late or stop altogether. Procuring essentials for the child’s care could become a struggle when support payments stop. So, action might be necessary to compel the support.
A potentially temporary issue
Reaching out to the parent when payments don’t arrive might be a typical first step. Sometimes, the issue might be a temporary problem. Losing a job or another income source could create hardships for a parent who intends to catch up once things turn around.
Although the reason may be acceptable, along with the duration the problem might persist, the reliant parent will likely be short of funds. Making budgetary changes to deal with the expected decrease in support may provide a temporary solution until things return to normal.
Taking steps to address nonpayment
Sadly, some parents choose not to make full or partial child support payments they can afford. An ex-spouse might hide earnings to create a false hardship impression. Of course, the court would require proof of such claims.
Going to court to address the ex-spouse’s lax attitude towards support could be unavoidable. However, going to court has costs, and the ex-spouse might still not be able to pay child support.
A parent who has been harmed in such an instance could go to a local government agency that deals with such matters. Garnishing wages could assist with recovering funds, and there may be other avenues worth exploring. The IRS could get involved, too. When a taxpayer is in arrears with child support, the IRS may garnish that person’s refund.
