Child support -Help for anyone who may need it.

It would only make sense to say that when a parent who is court-ordered to pay child support for the "care" of their children does not pay, it puts an unnecessary strain on the custodial parent (the one who is most likely doing everything for the children already) but also the children.  This is not fair!  I found some information I wanted to pass along so if anyone is in a situation like this, they can get help on the way faster. 

Did you know that even on the first offense for failure to pay child support could include a fine, six months in prison, or both?  Subsequent offenses carry even higher punishments which could include a fine of $10,000 and the punishments go up from there to around $250,000, two years in prison, or both in some cases.  That is pretty serious business!  The delinquent parent also has to pay restitution or settlements of child support that was owed.

I guess you can look at this two ways.  The first way, you could just let it go but that would only make your job as provider harder or secondly, you could just simply realize that when that parent does not contribute what they should anyway, what is the difference between that parent just being out there living a care-free life or that parent sitting in prison.  I mean if they are not paying anyway-they are of no use.  There is one difference, however, at least that parent would have to suffer the consequences of their actions, you know, if there are never consequences for their actions, they will just keep doing what they are doing and not care.  Sometimes you just have to follow the if/then rule, if you do this then ..................  It will be a hard decision to make but no one ever said life was easy.  You have to remain focused on the reason you have to choose this route, your children deserve so much more.  I have links for how to get assistance and more information on how to report this other "parent" and get the money that your children are entitled to and need.  

Office of the Inspector General
Division of Child Support Services-GA
nolo.com legal has an excellent assortment of question/answer links.

Georgia

Child Support Services, Department of Human Resources

2 Peachtree Street

Atlanta, Georgia 30303

Office: (404) 657-3851

Fax: (404) 657-3326