When Payments Stop: What to Do When Child Support Enforcement is Needed

Child support is a crucial aspect of ensuring that children are provided for after parents separate or divorce. When the noncustodial parent stops making payments, it can create significant financial strain for the custodial parent, potentially jeopardizing the child’s well-being. Fortunately, Wisconsin has systems in place to enforce child support payments and hold nonpaying parents accountable. If you find yourself in a situation where child support payments stop, it’s important to understand your rights and options. Working with a skilled attorney in Milwaukee can help you navigate the process of enforcement and get the support you need.

Understanding Child Support and Its Importance

In Wisconsin, child support is a financial obligation that the noncustodial parent must pay to help cover the costs of raising the child. The amount of support is determined by a formula that considers the incomes of both parents, the amount of time the child spends with each parent, and any special needs the child may have. When the noncustodial parent stops making payments, it can create financial instability for the custodial parent and impact the child’s overall well-being.

1. Why Payments Stop and What to Do

There are many reasons why child support payments may stop or become inconsistent. In some cases, the noncustodial parent may lose their job, experience financial difficulties, or intentionally avoid making payments. However, regardless of the reason, it’s essential to take action quickly to ensure that the child’s needs continue to be met.

If payments stop, the first step is to contact the Department of Children and Families (DCF). The DCF is responsible for child support enforcement in Wisconsin and can assist in locating the noncustodial parent and ensuring that payments resume. They may take enforcement actions such as wage garnishment, tax refund interception, or license suspension to encourage the parent to pay.

2. Child Support Enforcement Tools

In Wisconsin, the Child Support Program has several powerful tools to help enforce child support payments:

• Wage Garnishment: If a parent is not paying, the DCF can garnish their wages, which ensures regular payments directly deducted from their income.
• Tax Refund Interception: If the noncustodial parent is due for a tax refund, the DCF can intercept it and apply it to any overdue child support.
• License Suspension: The state may suspend the parent’s driver’s license or professional licenses if they fail to pay child support.
• Contempt of Court: If these enforcement actions fail, the court may hold the noncustodial parent in contempt, which can lead to fines or even jail time.

3. Working with an Attorney for Child Support Enforcement

While the DCF offers enforcement services, working with an experienced Milwaukee attorney can help ensure that your rights are fully protected. An attorney can assist in taking legal action, including filing a motion for contempt if the noncustodial parent is not complying with the child support order. If the parent’s circumstances have changed—such as a job loss or income reduction—an attorney can help request a modification of the child support order to reflect the new financial situation.

4. Modifying Child Support Orders

If the noncustodial parent has experienced a significant life change, such as a job loss or health crisis, they may be unable to make the agreed-upon payments. In such cases, it’s possible to request a modification of the child support order to reduce the payment amount temporarily. However, any modifications must be approved by the court.

Conclusion

When child support payments stop, it’s critical to act quickly to ensure that your child’s needs are met and that the noncustodial parent fulfills their financial responsibilities. Wisconsin’s child support enforcement system, including tools like wage garnishment and tax refund interception, is designed to help custodial parents recover overdue payments. If you are seeking for a free family lawyer consultation in Milwaukee, visit https://www.milwaukeedivorceattorneys.net/.