Parents who don’t pay their mandatory child support payments could find themselves in contempt of court. Missed payments are categorized as arrears.
The parent entitled to receive the payments can seek help from the court to enforce the child support order, usually with a lawyer’s help. Measures available are discussed below. Often the recipient will register the support order with the Saskatchewan Maintenance Enforcement Office to pursue enforcement, at no cost to the recipient.
ENFORCEMENT MEASURES
Delinquent parents who owe significant child support may have their:
- Tax refund sent to the child’s other parent
- Wages and bank accounts garnished (seized)
- Driver’s license suspended or renewal permit withheld
- Passport denied
- Professional licenses suspended
- Liberty denied (jail)
A paying parent can ask for modifications to the child support order if they are having legitimate trouble making payments. Such a request can be retroactive in certain circumstances, which are relatively rare. They must prove a substantial change in their income and circumstances to justify the change.
Note: The information in this blog is not legal advice. Consult a lawyer for advice for your situation.