Food, clothes, mortgage – it all adds up. Then, when one adds on the cost of school supplies and other necessities this time of year, the cost of raising a child appears to increase exponentially. Michigan courts have long recognized the need for both parents to bear financial responsibility for their children. As such, when parents divorce, it is likely that one parent will be responsible for making child support payments.
Unfortunately, it appears that not all parents share this vision. In fact, in some instances, the non-custodial parent fails to make required payments. When this happens, it is often the child that loses out and does not receive the benefits that come with regular child support.
Recently, one Michigan man was arrested for failing to pay child support. In October 2016, it was noted that this father owed almost $30,000 in support payments. In January 2017, a complaint stating this was filed, and the man is now facing a possible prison sentence for failure to pay. He is currently free on bond.
Child support is designed to provide the funds needed to raise the child and allow both parents to participate in the child’s growth and development. It is typically based upon the non-custodial parent’s income and is not designed to cause undue hardship for the parent. However, when it is not paid, the amount in arrears can quickly add up, and the problem can get out of control. For parents who are not receiving child support that is due, legal counsel can assist in this endeavor. Additionally, for parents whose income position has changed, legal counsel can assist in determining if changes to the child support order should be made.
Source: mlive.com, “Failing to pay $30K in child support, man faces prison“, Michael Kransz, July 12, 2017