If your ex fails to pay child support, you can withhold your visitation rights. This will help you maintain custody of the children. Missing payments can be stressful and frustrating for both parties. It can also negatively affect the children. In this situation, you should seek legal help as soon as possible.
First, you need to understand that there are long-term consequences to violating a court order. Missed payments can lead to additional hearings, fines, and suspension of child support. You may lose custody of the children. In addition, withholding visitation could lose you the favor of the court. This could lead to contempt charges and a costly and time-consuming trial.
In the event that your ex continues to fail to pay child support, you can also take legal action. This can include garnishing wages, putting liens on their property, and even denial of a driver’s license or passport. A parent who refuses to pay child support is likely to be held in contempt of court. In addition to monetary penalties, withholding visitation can lead to other problems. If you don’t want to risk such consequences, it may be best to work with a qualified California child support attorney.
However, even if you’re frustrated with unpaid child support, you should consider visiting your children in person. Having a meaningful relationship with both parents will ensure that your children develop a healthy self-esteem. Therefore, you should not block your ex from having visitation with their children.
If you and your ex aren’t able to work out a solution, you can ask the court to enforce the court’s visitation order. It’s always best to discuss this issue with your ex before you go to court. If you have to go through the court process to change your custody, the judge will be interested in the impact the issue is having on the children.
However, you should keep in mind that these threats can seriously damage your relationship with the judge. Moreover, they may even result in a change in custody. Besides, your ex will not be able to visit your children if you continue to ignore the court order.
In addition to the legal consequences of withholding visitation rights, a noncustodial parent may face criminal and civil penalties. The police and child support services will help you deal with these serious issues. You may want to consider hiring a child support attorney. You can also apply for child support services through your state’s child support agency.
Child support payments are necessary for the well-being of the child. While Texas family law does not specify the amount of child support a child needs, it should at least be enough to meet the basic needs of the child. The noncustodial parent is also legally required to pay for the health care of the child.
The court may also impose liens on real estate and bank accounts if a parent fails to make payments. A delinquent parent may even lose their professional licenses and passports. The court may also hold delinquent parents in contempt of court.
Child support orders are reviewed by the Support Collections Unit every three years, and it is often possible to modify a child support order. A modification can be done by filing papers with the court. The other parent will have 20 days to respond. If neither party makes a reply, a judge may approve the modification. If a modification is denied, the parent can seek assistance from an attorney.
