What You Need to Know about Child Support Enforcement
Child support is meant to ensure children get the financial support from both parents to give them the quality of life they would get if their parents were together. However, some individuals are concerned about whether they will actually get the money. Understanding how Massachusetts enforces support can put your worries at ease.
The Order
Massachusetts uses a specific calculation method to determine how much support should be paid and which parent must pay it. This amount becomes a court order. The individual who is ordered to pay is given the opportunity to make good on these payments. If he or she doesn't, the other parent can file contempt with the court.
Income Assignments
When one parent doesn't make the ordered payments, an income assignment may be issued. This means the child support money will be garnished directly from the payer's paycheck. The request is sent directly to the individual's employer, ensuring the payments will be made on time.
Other Consequences
In situations where income assignments do not work due to working under the table, switching jobs or quitting, other consequences may be used to enforce the support order. Some of the possible consequences include:
- Bank Account Levies
- Liens of Real Estate or Other Property
- Tax Refund Interceptions
- Seizure of Personal Property
- Increasing Withholding Amount
- License Suspension
It is up to the judge in an individual case to determine which action to take. In many cases, interest may be charged on any past due amounts as well. The use of child support is necessary to ensure children receive the proper support from both their parents. When one parent isn't fulfilling this obligation, it may be time to consider filing contempt and leaving it in the judge's hands.
If you are not receiving child support from your ex, contact us. We can help you handle child support enforcement.
