When you’re going through a divorce, a lot of emotions can surface. If you and your former spouse don’t agree on custody, things could become contentious very quickly. When your spouse files for divorce, he or she generally gets to ask the courts for temporary custody during the divorce. This can leave your time with your child relegated to the weekends and occasional weeknights. If your spouse stayed at home with the children, you may be required to pay spousal support in addition to child support. It can be tempting to refuse to pay until the courts finalize your divorce.
Failing to pay your child support or court ordered spousal support would be a real mistake. Your best option is to retain the services of an experienced Florida divorce and family law attorney to help argue your case to the courts. If you believe your ordered support amount is too high, your lawyer can request a hearing to see if it can be adjusted. In the meantime, however, it is in your best interests to continue paying support as ordered by the courts. There can be serious legal repercussions if you refuse to pay your support for personal or emotional reasons.
What happens when you refuse to pay child support?
Child support in Florida is determined via a formula that takes into account the child’s needs and the income of both parents. In some cases, the amount may be inaccurate because the information provided wasn’t complete. Other times, your income may change due to a change in jobs. However, the court issues a court order to request child support. Failing to pay your child support is against the law. It shows the courts a lack of respect for the rule of law and an unwillingness to provide for your children. This could undermine your case for shared or full custody of your children.
Additionally, there can be other, more severe penalties if you refuse to pay your child support. If your former spouse asks the courts for enforcement action, you could end up in a lot of trouble. The courts could garnish your wages, seize your income tax return or even issue a warrant for your arrest. Don’t risk serious legal consequences and a potential arrest. You need to prioritize paying your support as ordered by the courts.
An attorney can help you navigate your divorce
Whether you’re fighting for custody or want your support amounts adjusted, retaining an experienced divorce attorney’s help can make all the difference. Don’t try to make it through divorce court on your own, especially if your former spouse has legal counsel. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the better your chances are for a positive outcome.
Source: Nov. 30, -0001
