Can I Get Arrested For Support Arrearage?
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Learn more about child support arrears in Michigan.
Child support arrears are a serious matter and should be taken seriously. All parents in Michigan are required by state law to financially support their children until they reach the age of majority. Child support, on the other hand, can be a financial burden for some. It can be difficult to keep up with support payments and all of your other financial obligations. When this happens, you could be charged with a felony, which entails serious repercussions. Therefore, how much child support arrearage in Michigan constitutes a felony?
Sanctions for Non-Payment of Child Support
If you are having trouble paying your child support, you should contact a Michigan family lawyer right away. Even before criminal charges are filed, the state will use a number of measures to collect the support owed. These may include:
- Taking money out of paychecks
- Putting a lien on property
- Withholding tax refunds
- Suspending driver’s license
- Credit Reporting
- Denial of a passport
- Surcharges added on support owed
If you are more than $5,000 behind on your child support payments, you could be charged with a felony for not paying your child support. These charges could be brought by the Attorney General or by the county prosecutor’s office. Failure to pay spousal support in an amount equal to the child support arrears may also result in criminal charges. As stated in the statute that governs this area of the law, anyone whose child support arrears total $5,000 or more could suffer up to four years in jail or a fine of $2,000.
How to Avoid Getting Arrested For Support Arrearage
If you’ve been arrested for failing to pay child support, you should be aware that there are still options available to you. You may be able to negotiate a smaller child support payment. However, you will still be responsible for a significant portion of the amount owed. To avoid the sanctions you face, you will need to pay 50% of the arrears outstanding. In addition to your usual child support payments, you’ll have to agree to make a small payment each month to pay off the arrears.
If you’re overdue on child support payments, you need to get in touch with a Michigan family law attorney. A lawyer can advise you on your choices, which may include negotiating a lesser charge or even having the charges dropped entirely.
Seek Legal Help From a Michigan Child Support Lawyer
Child support is a legal obligation, and if you have fallen behind on your payments to the court, our Michigan child support attorneys are here to help. At Goldman and Associates Law Firm, we have the knowledge and experience to advise you of your legal options and guide you through the process of avoiding getting arrested from child support arrearage. Call us today or make an appointment for a free consultation!