New York, like many other states, has various enforcement options that may be utilized by custodial parents who are not receiving court ordered child support payments. If all else fails, a non-custodial parent may be arrested and criminally charged if he or she fails to pay child support. This is actually something that a father and business owner in another state is currently facing for his alleged failure to meet his support obligation.
The 33-year-old father of two and owner of a flooring business reportedly owes $90,000 in support payments. He is accused of failing to pay and aiding in non-payment, as he has failed to report his income to child support services — which is required of employers in most, if not all, states. As a result he is facing two felony charges for which — if he is convicted — he could face up to five years in prison, a personal fine of up to $50,000 and a business fine of up to $1 million.
At this time, it is unknown as to why this individual is so far behind on his support obligation. At the end of the day, it is not uncommon for non-custodial parents to experience a change in financial circumstances which can make keeping up with child support somewhat difficult. Those individuals who are unable to make their support payments may have options available — such as modification of support terms — so that they can avoid severe enforcement tactics like criminal charges.
New York, like other states, just wants to make sure that children are benefiting from the funds necessary to meet their basic needs. This is not happening when a parent fails to pay child support, and the state will not take the issue lightly. Things do happen and non-custodial parents may need help meeting their support obligations. Before enforcement options are utilized that could ruin one’s personal and professional life, it is possible for these individuals to secure legal assistance and fight for child support terms that are more reasonable for their current circumstances.
Source: ktuu.com, “Flooring business owner charged with felony failure to pay child support”, Paula Dobbyn, June 2, 2016