Child support obligations are not meant to be based on an agreement between the parents. Rather, they are based on the parents’ obligations to their child. The state of Florida enforces these obligations in the interest of protecting the child, and also because if the parents can’t or don’t pay for the child’s needs, the child will need public assistance.
Florida has many ways of cracking down on parents who are delinquent in paying child support. Among other enforcement options, the state can suspend a parent’s driver’s license. This is a somewhat controversial move, because taking away a person’s driving privileges can make it harder for them to get to work to earn the money to pay child support.
Based on recent reports, Florida seeks to reform its driver’s license suspension policies. While reforms to current laws and regulations could wipe out certain causes for licenses suspension, it will not impact suspensions for drunk driving, reckless driving or failing to pay child support. The idea would be to rule out the situations that appear to be counterproductive, and at this point, imposing a driver’s license suspension for delinquent child support payments has been a helpful way to enforce these support payments.
Failing to pay child support can result in more than just a driver’s license suspension, though. It could result in fines, jail time and other penalties. Thus, if one is unable to pay child support, it is important to timely address this matter in order to avoid the consequences associated with failed payments.
Child support is considered a necessary financial support, helping to ensure that the basic needs of the child are met. While the amount ordered is based on the details at the time the order is established, this does not mean that it must remain at this amount. Circumstances can change, giving rise to the need to seek a modification of a child support order. Whether you seek to modify an order, enforce and order or are dealing with penalties associated with delinquent payments, it is important to understand your rights and options in these situations.
