Child Support Enforcement

Going through any kind of separation can be difficult for parents and children alike. Children may have to watch their parents become bitter towards one another, and parents are assigned the unfortunate task of creating a custody agreement. Part of this agreement involves child support payments or funds used to maintain a child’s current standard of living. If this arrangement is organized in the form of a court order, the terms are legally enforceable. If your child’s other parent has violated the terms of a child support order, you are likely worried about your child’s financial future and your ability to provide them with their basic needs. Our Pittsburgh child support attorneys at Pittsburgh Divorce & Family Law, LLC understands how hard these situations can be for everyone. With knowledge and experience in various support issues, he can ensure your case is presented in the best possible light.

Child Support Orders are Legally Enforceable

Child support can be determined using one of two methods: the creation of a parental agreement, which involves two parents arriving at a decision on their own and obtaining an order from a judge. While creating a private agreement between you and your ex can be cost effective, it is not a legally binding contract. One parent can change the terms of the agreement at any point. With a court order, on the other hand, a judge can make the terms legally enforceable. If for example, a non-custodial parent, or the parent that does not attend to the day-to-day needs of the child, refuses to pay child support, the receiving parent can petition the court to force the other parent to comply.

Being Held In Contempt

A common punishment for refusing to obey a court order is being held in contempt of court. This means that a parent has ignored the court and neglected their responsibilities to their child by refusing to make child support payments. It is also a sign to the court that the parent is not a reliable provider. As punishment, a judge may choose to impose a number of civil punishments, such as fines, jail time, or both. In Pennsylvania, child support order violations are taken very seriously.

In order to prove that the non-custodial parent has neglected their obligation, the receiving parent must show that payment was not received and that this action posed a risk to the child’s well-being. At this point, the other party is given the opportunity to make their case. Perhaps they were going through a major change in circumstances, or maybe they are suffering from a debilitating illness that makes it impossible to make child support payments. If the non-custodial parent is absent from this hearing, a warrant may be issued for their arrest.

Let Us Fight for your Rights

If your child’s other parent is failing to make child support payments, it can be extremely stressful. After all, you are merely trying to care for your child. Both you and the other parent have an obligation to attend to your child’s needs. The child support lawyers at Pittsburgh Divorce & Family Law, LLC realize that not receiving adequate child support can negatively impact your child’s life.

Attorney Anthony Piccirilli will work passionately to show that you are a loving and responsible parent. He will ensure that you provide the required evidence to show that your ex should be held to the same standard or be held in contempt.

Call (412) 471-5100 today to see how your financial stability can be protected.