Breakups & Divorce Support Group

Just broke up with someone or in the midst of a difficult divorce? Breaking up is difficult no matter what the circumstances are. They say that time heals all wounds, but sometimes a listening ear or a hug can work wonders for the heart. Whether you need a place to vent, someone to hold you to No Contact, or need advice about what to do, we're here to help.

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diemjs 03/14/2008

Im not really up on the child support laws, and I know I should be, but I was wondering if anybody could answer my question.

I hear, that if a man doesnt pay child support, he goes to jail. Is this true? And if so, is there a time frame in which he has to pay?

I have also heard that it used to be months before he went to jail, now I hear it only takes one time to miss payment.

Im just trying to get ready for my future with him in jail, if this is true!! LOL

Thank you all for your continuous support and friendship.

deleted_user 03/14/2008

In some states yes he does go to jail. A while ago when I lived in Alabama they would put your picture in the paper if you didn't pay.

deleted_user 03/14/2008

While you're online research 'child support laws" in your state

deleted_user 03/14/2008

it all depends on what state you live in. Each one has different laws when it comes to that stuff. Sometimes they revoke your Driver License, I don't know about Jail time but they may start to Garnish your wages.

deleted_user 03/14/2008

I have never heard of any one being jailed for 1 missed payment. The CS laws are so varied from state to state - I have a friend who's ex is $50,000.00 in arrears and nothing has ever happened to him.

pattongb 03/14/2008

Here they garnish wages, then if that fails, they put you in jail. Takes months though, sometimes longer.

Depends on the state.

My first wife never paid me a penny of child support even though I had 100% custody and placement. They never did a thing to her or chased her for it.

But back then the courts didnt give a crap about the fathers....Things are better now.

kidsintowe03 03/14/2008

in MI the custodial parent has to persue it and most of the time it won't qualify for a show cause hearing unless they are at least 5k behind. Then it is considered a "federal offense" and they will be arrested and the bond they post will go directly to child support. It can be a long process!! When my x was over 15k behind I called and because there was an income withholding order in effect (garnished out of paycheck)and they were able to collect some money on it (hasn't paid 1 full payment in 1.5 years)it disqualified the case from a hearing. Now though, he is not working, not paying and I am waiting on the hearing notice!! he's going to jail..he just doesn't know it yet.

FrankTheGreat 03/14/2008

I'm not sure it's as simple as that. For one thing, if that were the case the law would need to be changed. The purpose of child support is not punitive; it's to provide for the welfare of the child. If a parent fails to pay child support, the answer shouldn't be to put him in jail. If you throw him in jail, you're just ensuring that he won't be able to earn any money at all, and how does that serve the welfare of the child? That just punishes the parent.

On the other hand, there are "deadbeat dad" statutes out there. I'm just not sure what they do.

For basic questions about child support in MD (including a link to a form that you can file when he stops paying child support), go here:

http://www.mddivorceonline.com/mdpages/childsupport/whopaychildsupportFAQ.asp

kidsintowe03 03/14/2008

the important thing to remember though is YOU as the custodial parent HAVE to persue it..the courts wheels don't move without any grease!!

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