Most parents in Virginia and across the country would agree that it is expensive to raise a child. Unfortunately, when parents are no longer in a romantic relationship together, it may be difficult to come to an agreement on the appropriate amount of money needed, often prompting a court to intervene. Failure to pay child support could ultimately have severe consequences. In fact, a man in another state was recently arrested.
Reports indicate that the man and the mother of his child divorced in 2000. At the time, the couple’s child was 3 years old. In July 2001, the now 51-year-old man was ordered to pay $780 per month to support the child.
However, the man has reportedly paid only $24,000 in support since then, allegedly leaving him owing over $113,000 in back payments. He was reportedly arrested on Christmas Eve on an outstanding warrant. Though he was released three days later for treatment at an inpatient facility, he will be taken back into custody once his treatment is complete and he is released from the hospital. Reports claim that the man has a history of missed child support payments and failures to appear in court.
Unfortunately, a person’s inability to pay child support could ultimately impact multiple people. In some cases, unpaid support can have serious consequences — including imprisonment — as this case appears to demonstrate. If a change in circumstances occurs, a parent can request a modification. An attorney with experience in family law can help parents in Virginia attempt to modify or enforce court orders.
