Back child support, often referred to as arrears, is the amount of past due child support payments that a parent owes. Overdue obligations can accumulate when a parent fails to make court-ordered child support payments on time.
The consequences of falling behind on child support payments can be significant and may include legal actions such as asset seizure and wage garnishment. Did you know that back child support can put you at risk of losing your professional license?
The arrears’ impact
In cases of persistent non-payment of child support, a court may also order the suspension of the non-paying parent’s professional license until the arrears are paid. This is because courts take the obligation to pay child support seriously and may view non-payment as evidence of irresponsibility or financial instability. Consequently, a court may suspend or revoke a professional license as a means of compelling the non-paying parent to fulfill their child support obligation. Professions that may be affected by back child support obligations include:
- Medical professionals: Healthcare providers may face license suspension if they fail to meet their child support obligations.
- Legal professionals: Lawyers, judges and paralegals may have their licenses suspended or revoked for non-payment of child support.
- Financial professionals: Accountants, financial advisors and bankers may face professional consequences for failing to fulfill their child support obligations.
If you are at risk of having your professional license suspended due to back child support, it is essential to take proactive steps to address the situation. A good strategy for protecting your license is working with the court and the custodial parent to negotiate a reasonable payment plan that enables you to catch up on your child support payments while maintaining your professional license. You can also make paying child support a top priority to avoid further legal consequences and help safeguard your professional reputation.
Back child support can have serious implications for both parents and their professional lives. Suppose you are facing the threat of professional license suspension due to back child support or any other reason. In that case, it can help to have a clear understanding of the options in front of you. Seeking legal guidance is a good way to get started in this regard.