When married parents divorce the court will issue an order for child support if the child is still a minor. The court will also do the same for single parents after parentage has been legally established. Child support is meant to provide the parent who has custody of the child with the financial resources necessary to care for the child and maintain a certain quality of life. However, in some cases the parent being ordered to pay the child support is unable to or refuses to do so which could result in legal consequences for this parent.
Understanding Contempt of Court for Non-Payment in Wagoner
One potential legal consequence of failing to pay court-ordered child support is being found in contempt of court. In Wagoner County, Oklahoma, being found in contempt for non-payment of child support can lead to various monetary penalties and even jail time. Therefore, a parent should take the actions necessary and do whatever is possible to avoid reneging on required child support payments.
It is important for parents to understand that child support payments are not optional – they are legally mandated to ensure the well-being of the child. If a parent is struggling to make payments, it is important to communicate with the court and seek a modification rather than simply not paying. A Wagoner child support collection attorney help you with the process of seeking modification of child support payments to make the payment schedule more manageable.
Consequences for Contempt of Court in Wagoner County
When a parent is found in contempt of court for non-payment of child support in Wagoner County, the court has the authority to impose penalties to compel compliance. These penalties can include fines, suspension of driver’s licenses, interception of tax refunds, and even imprisonment. It is crucial for parents to take child support obligations seriously to avoid facing these severe consequences.
If a parent is struggling to make child support payments, it is important to seek legal assistance to explore options for modification. A Wagoner child support collection attorney can help navigate the legal process and advocate on behalf of the parent to ensure a fair resolution.
Requesting a Contempt of Court Finding in Wagoner
If you are a custodial parent and are having a difficult time collecting court-ordered child support from the other parent, it can be a significant issue since this will hinder your ability to provide the proper quality of life for your child. Therefore, if this continues to be a problem, you may want consider taking legal action to compel the other parent to make the required payments of support. This can be done by a contempt finding from the court which a Wagoner child support collection attorney can help you with.
The first step in the process is to file a motion requesting the judge to order the parent who is delinquent in support payments to appear before the court and explain the reason for the delinquency in due payments. Also, a local district attorney can file this motion with the court. However, even if it is the local district attorney that does so, you may still want your own legal representation who will have a legal duty to act in your self-interests to assist you and provide advice through out the legal process. Once the delinquent parent appears before the court to explain the delinquency, the judge will make a determination as to whether or not to hold the non-custodial parent in contempt of court.
Penalties of Contempt Finding for Non-Payment of Support
Once the court has found a parent in contempt of court for non-payment of child support, there are several potential penalties the judge can mete out. One option is for the judge to sentence the delinquent parent to jail for usually anywhere between 30 to 90 days. Usually, the court will allow the delinquent parent to pay a certain agreed upon amount of the support due in order to avoid going to jail.
In the case of a severely delinquent parent, the court may issue harsher penalties. This may include a finding of criminal contempt which is considered a misdemeanor or felony criminal offense instead of merely a civil violation, resulting in up to four years behind bars. Also, the judge could add on a $5,000 fine.
Seeking Legal Representation in Wagoner County
For parents facing contempt of court for non-payment of child support in Wagoner County, it is important to seek legal representation from a Wagoner child support collection attorney as soon as possible. Not responding adequately and in a timely manner can result in monetary fines and penalties as well as possible time behind bars.
Legal guidance is also essential for those looking to navigate the court process to file a motion to request consideration of a contempt finding for non-payment of child support. It is important that you fill out the legal paperwork correctly and adhere to court rules when filing this motion. Failure to do so can impact your ability to compel the other parent to make due payments.
An experienced Wagoner child support collection attorney can provide guidance on the best course of action to address the situation and work towards a resolution. Do not wait until it is too late – contact a Wagoner child support collection lawyer to protect your rights and interests.
Contact a Family Law Attorney at Wirth Law Office
If you are facing contempt of court for non-payment of child support or are looking to file a motion for the judge to consider a contempt finding in Wagoner County, contact Wirth Law Office at (918) 879-1681 to get started. Our experienced attorneys specialize in child support collection cases and can provide the legal representation you need. Do not face this alone – call us today to schedule a consultation.
