Divorces can be extremely messy affairs, causing both financial as well as emotional turmoil. This suffering can be compounded with the involvement of children. The psychological effect that it has on the child can be significant, since they do not have the maturity to understand why things are happening the way they are and may even end up blaming themselves for it, even though they have nothing to do with it.
With patience, love, care and time, one may help them through these emotionally difficult times. However, when it comes to other problems like healthcare, education, food and shelter, there comes into consideration the financial quotient of these matters. While both parents are supposed to take care of the child or children, after a divorce, it is an unfortunate fact that some partners decide to ignore the rulings of the court and decide to not pay child support.
Importance of Child Support
After a divorce, regardless of the outcome of the case, the well being of the child remains a priority. There are many needs that children have, out of which food, shelter, healthcare and education is paramount. In case of financial difficulties, it may become too big of a burden to bear for a single parent. These difficulties should not result in the needs of the child not being cared for.
Child support payments ensure this in a legal manner. During the determination of the amount to be given in child support payments, the court looks into the financial capabilities of both parents and then makes a decision that is best suited for both parties as well as the child. These payments are there to make sure that all the needs of the child are met.
My Partner Refuses To Pay Child Support
While child support is extremely important to the well being of the child or children in question, it is an unfortunate reality that partners sometimes refuse to pay it. In a recent report, it was found that more than 20 percent of parents who had received custody of the child had to ask the government for assistance in order to collect child support and 40 percent of parents didn’t even receive the child support that was mandated by the court.
This can happen due to the parent having the wrong impression of what child support payments are supposed to be and consider them unfair punishments to them. However, that is not the purpose of child support payments. Child support payment is not a form of punishment aimed towards bad parents, nor is it supposed to be a reward for being good parents. During the determination of child support in the court of law, the only thing that is kept in mind is the benefit it will provide to the child and not the parent.
Whatever the reason be, in times like these, it can be difficult to know what one must do in order to secure child support. This is where a good divorce lawyer in Tucson who is also well versed in post-decree enforcement matters can help you out. Legal professionals are experienced in cases like these, and they can help you ensure that you get the child support payments that you deserve.
Involving Legal Professionals To Secure Child Support
Many partners are doubtful about pursuing litigation in order to secure child support after a divorce. This can be due to not wanting their partner to go through another negative experience after their divorce. Or it may be that the parent is trying to conserve the image of the other partner or don’t want to villainize themselves in the eyes of their children by pursuing litigation against them.
Or they may have gone through a lengthy divorce proceeding and may not want to go through such an experience again. While it is natural to feel apprehensive in situations like these, these may manifest themselves into bigger issues down the road. The financial burden of raising a child is considerable. Financial troubles may end up affecting the child in negative ways.
You may not be able to afford proper healthcare for them and not be able to pursue the best treatment plan for them in case of medical issues. Or you may have to compromise on the quality of education that they receive, resulting in lesser opportunities for them in the future. These are things that can be avoided by seeking legal recourse in case your partner fails to pay child support.
Legal Ways To Get Child Support
In the event of the court-ordered child support award not being honored, you may want to consider engaging the services of a reputable Tucson law firm that specializes in post-decree law. There are legal consequences for not paying child support. By not paying child support, your partner exposes themselves to punishments like incarceration, heavy fines, the amount being deducted from their wages directly by a court issued wage order, exclusion from certain governmental programs, revocation of their passport and much more.
If nothing, the threat of these punishments can serve as a deterrent for them to avoid paying child support. A legal professional who is well versed in divorce, child support and post decree enforcement law will be able to help you pursue these matters legally and ensure that you get the financial support you and your child deserve.
Other Reasons To Proceed With Litigation
If your financial situation is good enough to provide for the child adequately, you may feel like there is no reason to pursue legal recourse in case of non-payment of child support. However, you may be wrong. Failure to pay child support can result in the parent’s visitation rights being reduced or revoked. This can be especially useful if you feel that the other parent is neglecting your child or is a bad influence upon them, which is often true for parents not paying child support. In such cases, a lawyer who is well versed in post decree law may be able to help you change the initial conditions that were decided by the court.
