A non-custodial parent is usually required to make a child support back child support A child support payment is usually paid by a non-custodial parent to the custodial parent in order to help support the child.
Even with judges penalizing non-custodial parents in child support arrears, there still exist many non-custodial parents who will not make a child support payment on time. This is especially true if they leave the state to escape any child support obligations. While child support enforcement agencies will search for these absentee parents, it may take a substantial amount of time for them to be brought to justice. While the non-custodial parent is in child support arrears, both the custodial parent and child will suffer.
Decisions regarding child support are supposed to reflect the best interest of the child. A non-custodial parent who is found to be in child support arrears, is not considered to be acting in the best interest of the child. The lack of payment is hurting the child. Parents who are in serious child support arrears are called deadbeats. Missing one child support payment does not put the non-custodial parent in child support arrears. Most parents who are in arrears have missed many child support payments.
A parent who doesn’t make a court ordered child support payment may think they are getting away with something. In reality, their actions are hurting not only their child but themselves. When and if they are caught in child support arrears, the punishments may be harsh. This is especially true if the parent has been in child support arrears for a long time. The consequences for non-payment are commensurate on the amount of back payment.
