When a mother has custody of her children in Virginia, she typically receives child support from her ex-husband. In some situations, an ex-spouse may decide that he no longer needs to make these payments. It is important for women to know what to do if they find themselves in this situation.
Most of the time, a father cannot refuse to pay child support. According to FindLaw, a father usually receives a notice informing him that he is behind on his payments and needs to arrange a schedule for paying child support. Sometimes man’s wages may be garnished so the children’s mother still receives financial support. In other situations, a father may lose his license to operate a business or practice a certain occupation.
If a father still does not pay child support, the consequences may become more severe. He may risk losing his driver’s license and sometimes may not be able to get a passport if he is more than $2,500 behind on these payments. In extreme situations, a father may be sentenced to time in prison.
While some women may want to speak to their lawyer, this may not be their best option. U.S. News says that is usually better for a mother to speak to her ex-husband and find a way to resolve the problem. Sometimes it may help if women keep the children’s father more involved in their day-to-day lives. In some situations, a father may be more likely to make child support payments each month when he knows which activities he is helping pay for. If a father is not making these payments because he is having financial difficulties, some women may want to ask for a reduced payment. This ensures that women receive financial assistance for their children and that fathers are still responsible for supporting their children.
