Dealing with a Parent Who Refuses to See Their Child Due to Child Support Issues

Parents who owe child support often face a difficult dilemma: they may refuse to see their child, believing that child support payments mean they have no further obligations. However, visitation and child support are two separate orders by the court, and non-payment of child support can lead to serious legal consequences.

Understanding the Separateness of Visitation and Support Orders

Visitation and child support are two distinct court orders. It is entirely possible for one parent to be granted visitation rights while the other is required to pay child support. Unlike child support, visitation is not mandatory and is at the discretion of the non-custodial parent. Failure to pay child support, on the other hand, has severe legal repercussions.

Non-payment of child support can lead to being held in contempt of court. This means that if you fail to meet your legal obligations, you can be arrested and jailed until you comply. The consequences of non-payment can be profound: loss of your job, losing your home, seizure of assets like your car, and even a freeze on your bank account to provide funds for child support.

Legal Strategies to Address Child Support Refusals

When a parent refuses to see their child, it is crucial to understand and respect the court's decision regarding visitation. While you may feel upset, it is essential to adhere to the legal order. However, if a parent is defying the court order and refusing to pay child support, several steps can be taken to address the situation:

File Complaints with Legal Authorities: If the parent refuses to comply with the court order regarding child support, you can file a complaint with the local law enforcement. Additionally, you can report the issue to the court and seek enforcement through the court system. This can include filing a contempt of court motion or starting a civil suit against the parent for failure to pay. Enforce Court Orders: If the judge is not taking the matter seriously, you can consider filing a complaint against the judge for biased or negligent behavior. Establishing that the judge is not adequately enforcing the child support laws can lead to a change in judicial personnel or a more diligent approach to enforcement. Seek Legal Representation: Contacting a legal professional is strongly advised. A lawyer can provide guidance on the best course of action and help you navigate the legal system to enforce the court orders. Filing a lawsuit or a motion for contempt can be effective strategies to compel the parent to pay and comply with visitation terms.

Consequences of Defying Child Support Orders

Refusing to pay child support can lead to several severe outcomes:

You can face jail time for non-payment. Your job, home, and personal property can be at risk. Your bank account will be frozen to ensure child support payments.

Defying these orders can also have a significant emotional impact on the child, who may feel abandoned or neglected. It is essential to support the child's needs while navigating the legal system to enforce child support payments.

Conclusion

While you cannot force a parent to see their child, it is crucial to ensure that the parent fulfills their legal obligation to support them financially. Legal action, including reporting to authorities and seeking a lawyer's assistance, can help enforce child support orders. Understanding the legal system and your rights is essential in ensuring the well-being of your child.