Child support is a crucial financial obligation that non-custodial parents must fulfill to ensure the well-being of their children. Custodial parents have legal avenues to enforce Montgomery County child support orders when the non-custodial parent fails to comply. Understanding these remedies and resources is essential for custodial parents navigating the complexities of child support enforcement.
Understanding Child Support Orders
Child support orders in Pennsylvania are typically established during divorce proceedings or paternity determinations. These orders outline the amount a non-custodial parent must pay regularly to support their child’s needs. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) often oversees the enforcement of these orders through its Bureau of Child Support Enforcement (BCSE).
Enforcement Mechanisms
When a non-custodial parent fails to comply with a child support order, custodial parents can take several steps to enforce payment:
- Income Withholding – The most common method is income withholding, where child support payments are deducted directly from the non-custodial parent’s wages or other sources of income, such as unemployment benefits or workers’ compensation.
- Contempt of Court – If the non-custodial parent consistently refuses to pay child support despite court orders, the custodial parent can file a motion for contempt of court. This legal action may result in penalties such as fines or imprisonment for the non-compliant parent.
- Asset Seizure – In severe cases of non-payment, the BCSE can initiate procedures to seize assets like bank accounts or real estate owned by the non-custodial parent.
- Driver’s License Suspension – Pennsylvania law allows for the suspension of driver’s licenses and other professional licenses if child support payments are in arrears. This measure encourages compliance by impacting the non-custodial parent’s ability to work.
- Passport Denial – The federal government can deny passports to individuals owing more than $2,500 in child support. This measure prevents non-compliant parents from leaving the country to avoid payment obligations.
Legal Assistance and Resources
Navigating child support enforcement can be daunting, but parents with child custody in PA have access to resources that can provide guidance and support:
- Pennsylvania Child Support Website – The DHS website offers valuable information on child support guidelines, enforcement options, and frequently asked questions.
- Legal Aid Organizations – Non-profit legal aid organizations throughout Pennsylvania provide low-cost or free legal services to custodial parents seeking assistance with child support enforcement.
- County Domestic Relations Sections – Each county in Pennsylvania has a domestic relations section that assists with the establishment and enforcement of child support orders. They can provide information on filing motions and navigating the legal process.
- Support Groups and Counseling Services – Local community organizations often offer support groups and counseling services for custodial parents dealing with the emotional and financial challenges of raising children without adequate support.
Conclusion
Enforcing child support orders is critical to ensuring the well-being of children in Pennsylvania. Custodial parents should be aware of their rights and the resources available to them when facing non-compliance issues. Visit the Pennsylvania DHS website or consult with a professional child support lawyer in Blue Bell at The Martin Law Firm, P.C. for more information!