3 Ways Not Paying Child Support Can Hurt You

 Posted on November 20, 2024 in Child Support

When you initially reached an agreement about how much money you would pay your child’s other parent in child support, it was based on your financial situation at the time. If your needs and expenses have increased or your income has significantly decreased, that agreement may no longer be something you can fulfill.

Unfortunately, if you stop paying child support, you can face penalties and wage garnishments. It could damage your employment and personal finances, and can even give you legal trouble. If you cannot continue paying what you initially agreed for child support, speak with a knowledgeable Naperville, IL divorce lawyer to understand your options.

Child Support Nonpayment and Employment

In Illinois, one of the first steps the state might take if you fall behind on child support payments is wage garnishment. Your employer automatically withholds a portion of your paycheck and sends it directly to your child’s other parent or the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS). This can have serious consequences, including:

• Challenges finding employment: Many employers consider it a red flag if they need to garnish an employee’s wages. Some employers, particularly in industries where financial responsibility is a key part of the job, have policies not to hire anyone with an active child support garnishment. As a result, nonpayment of child support can become a self-perpetuating problem: the inability to make payments due to a lack of income leads to the inability to earn an income that leads to more financial strain.

• Limited career growth: For some, nonpayment of child support causes a downward spiral professionally. Wage garnishment from falling behind on child support payments can make someone ineligible for loans, housing, or promotions, particularly when financial responsibility and background checks are relevant.

Child Support Nonpayment and Driving

Another consequence of not paying child support is that your driver’s license can get suspended. Beyond the obvious inconvenience, this can make it harder to go to work, earn a living, and manage daily responsibilities.

With so many people in Illinois relying on their car to get to work, take their children to and from school, and do other personal tasks, getting your driver’s license suspended can add more problems to an already challenging situation.

Child Support Nonpayment and Your Credit

In Illinois, unpaid child support can accrue interest. This can cause your overall debt to grow significantly over time. The unpaid debt can be reported to credit agencies, severely damaging your credit score. This can have a lasting impact on your financial future, making it hard to buy a house, get a car loan, send children to college, or rent an apartment.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Naperville, IL Child Support Modification Lawyer

If you are unable to make your child support payments, speak with an experienced DuPage County, IL child support attorney. The consequences of not paying what you are required to can be staggering and affect you well into your future. At Pesce Law Group, P.C., we are dedicated to helping our clients avoid being punished for financial hardships that are out of their control. We can guide you through the process of modifying your child support agreement to reflect a more reasonable arrangement. Call us at 630-352-2240 to schedule a free consultation.