Child support delinquency punishable by stopping car registration
Jan 20 2017 - Posted by On Behalf of the Lincoln Law Firm, PPLC, in High Asset Divorce, Tagged in high asset divorce
In Texas, when a couple that has ended a marriage or relationship shares a child, in general there will be an order of child support from the noncustodial parent to the custodial parent. This is not done as a way of punishment, but to ensure that the child is cared for properly with all of his or her needs provided for. Unfortunately, there are times when the payments are not made on time or in full. In fact, some parents do not make the necessary payments at all. The state has certain steps it will take to try and make certain that the payments are made. A new method is preventing the renewal of vehicle registrations.
In September 2016, letters were sent by the Office of the Attorney General to inform parents who were behind in their child support payments that they would be barred from renewing their vehicle registration because of the delinquency. This applies to parents who were six months behind in child support. This is a new tactic that has been effective in collecting the payments. The state has brought in more than $160,000 since it started.
Drivers will need their vehicles whether they have a significant amount of assets or not. The inability to register a vehicle can negatively affect a business and cause personal inconvenience. Driving without a registration can also result in a whole host of other problems if the person is caught. The denial of registration renewals began in December. The only agency that can remove the block on the registration is the Attorney General’s Office. Payment plans are possible to try and get current with the payments.
When a person is supporting a child and not making the payments as he or she should, it can be problematic for the custodial parent and the child. With this program, it can also hinder the supporting parent in a major way. Parents who are not receiving their payments for child support after a parting of the ways with the other parent or are having trouble making their payments and need assistance should make certain that they are protected under the law. Speaking to a divorce attorney who is experienced in child support and other divorce legal issues can be helpful with these situations.
Source: kristv.com, “Texas links child support to car registration,” Roland Rodriguez, Jan. 4, 2017