Divorce can be an incredibly contentious matter for many couples, especially if there is a child involved. Parents may disagree on how much support is needed for the child, and ultimately, the court may issue a decision. However, even if you disagree with the court’s decision, you must abide by the court order to pay child support. Failure to do so can result in serious penalties, as discussed in the following blog. If you are facing criminal consequences for failing to pay child support, it’s in your best interest to connect with Houston criminal defense attorneys to explore your legal options during these difficult matters.
Can Failure to Pay Child Support Result in Jail Time?
First and foremost, it’s important to understand that child support is intended to help ensure the child of a divorced or separated couple would have the same financial resources and support as if the parents were still together. The course use a predetermined formula to calculate the amount of support the paying spouse is responsible for. It is the belief of the court that both parents must financially contribute to the rearing of a child.
As such, if you do not pay child support for whatever reason, you can face time in jail. This is because it is a criminal offense to knowingly and willfully defy a court order to financially support a child. This offense is formally known as criminal nonsupport, and it carries up to two years in prison.
In addition, you may also face a contempt of court offense. Generally, any time you defy a court order, you can be held in contempt. As such, non-payment would warrant this charge, which can result in up to six months for failure to pay support.
What Other Penalties Can I Face if Accused?
Aside from time spent in jail, failure to pay child support can result in the revocation of licenses, including your driver’s license, hunting license, or even business license. The primary purpose of this is to incentivize paying parents to fulfill their support obligations by impeding daily life.
Additionally, if you fail to pay support, you’ll find that your wages can be garnished, your tax refund may be seized by the courts, your credit rating can plummet, and, if you owe more than $2,500 in support, you will be unable to receive a passport.
While many assume that unpaid child support is strictly a family law matter, the criminal penalties you can face as a result are serious. If you are charged with criminal nonsupport or contempt of court in Texas, it’s critical to connect with an experienced criminal defense attorney with the Gonzalez Law Group as soon as possible. Our firm understands how difficult these matters can be to navigate, which is why we will do everything in our power to help you fight for the best possible outcome. Contact us today to learn more.