If you are a parent who is owed child support, and your child turns 18, you may wonder what happens next. The good news is that the obligation to pay child support does not end simply because your child has reached adulthood. The bad news is that collecting overdue payments can be more complicated than when your child was still a minor. This blog post will discuss what happens if your ex fails to pay child support after your child turns 18.
In most states, the obligation to pay child support continues until age 21. This is true even if your child is already emancipated or attending college. However, some states impose additional restrictions on how long child support payments must continue, so it is important to check your local laws for exact details.
You can still take legal action if your ex fails to make their required payments after your child turns 18. Depending on the amount of unpaid support owed and the current financial situation of your ex-spouse, a variety of collection strategies may be available. Some strategies include wage garnishment, liens against property owned by the delinquent parent, withholding tax refunds or lottery winnings from them, and even placing them in jail for contempt.
It is important to note that if your ex fails to pay the court-ordered amount of child support, they can still be held liable for past-due payments even after your child turns 18. This means that a parent who has yet to pay their total child support before they turn 21 may still owe back payments even if their obligation to make future payments has ended. As such, it is critical to keep accurate records and contact an experienced family law attorney as soon as possible to protect yourself and ensure that you receive timely payment of the child support owed.
No matter your child’s age, having an experienced family law attorney on your side ensures that you have the best chance of recovering any unpaid child support. If your ex refuses to pay the child support they owe, a good lawyer can help you take legal action and recover the money that is rightfully yours.
If your child has turned 18 and your ex still owes unpaid child support, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced family law attorney today for assistance in recovering what you are due. A lawyer can provide advice on the best course of action and may be able to negotiate a settlement or work with other parties involved to make sure that you receive the money you are owed. By taking legal action when necessary, you can protect yourself from financial hardship caused by non-payment of child support.
This blog post is not legal advice and should not be taken as such. Every situation is different, so we recommend you consult an experienced family law attorney. If you are looking for legal assistance, our firm is here to help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your rights regarding child support payments after your child turns 18.
We look forward to speaking with you.
Disclaimer: This blog post is not legal advice and should not be taken as such. Every situation is different, so we recommend you consult an experienced family law attorney for advice regarding child support payments after your child turns 18. The information contained in this post does not constitute a lawyer