Baltimore & Towson Lawyer Discusses Postcard Reminders For Child Support
Many parents in Maryland and all across the United States struggle with obtaining child support payments in a timely fashion. When a noncustodial parent is ordered to make such payments on a monthly basis and those payments are late or never sent, the custodial parent may be tempted to retaliate by keeping the child away from the nonpaying parent or using some other form of “punishment,” so to speak.
However, it is important for parents who are entitled to receive child support payments to realize that there are legal options available to them that can be used to help them obtain the support they expect and need for their child or children. Child support payment delays can happen for a variety of reasons, and depending on the reason for the parent’s failure to pay on time, certain methods can be used for collection.
Need a Reminder? Perhaps a Postcard in the Mail Will Do the Trick
A recent article on Yahoo discussed one state’s use of postcard reminders for individuals who are required to pay child support. Within the article, the question was posed, “Are postcard reminders to pay child support an invasion of privacy, as one father charges -- or a reasonable way to nudge parents to pay?”
The father in question lives in Kansas and argues that he does not have an issue specifically with having to pay child support, but rather the method used by the state to remind him of his monthly obligation. The father noted that he lives in a small town, so the postcard is somewhat embarrassing, particularly since it has made his obligation public knowledge. The father further stated that he is well aware that the payment is due every month and it is paid every month.
However, Kansas sends these “reminder cards” to all parents who are mandated to pay child support, even if they are making their payments as required. A state official stated that the postcards “pose no privacy threat” to the noncustodial parents who receive them, as they are “fairly discrete, but they do make clear that the individual does owe child support, not for the purpose of shaming anyone, but for the purpose of reminding them.”
Collecting Child Support in Maryland: Know Your Rights
States use a variety of methods to collect child support, and many states will suspend a nonpaying parent’s driver’s license or intercept his or her tax return. If you have questions or concerns about collecting or paying child support, you are encouraged to contact a knowledgeable Towson family law attorney to discuss your rights and options under the law.
In Maryland, the Child Support Enforcement Administration (CSEA) enforces both federal and state laws with respect to support payments for children. The Administration performs a number of functions with respect to child support and they use a variety of enforcement tools when parents fail to fulfill their obligations, to include suspending the nonpaying parent’s driver’s license, as well as his or her professional license if support hasn’t been paid for a period of 60 days or more. Nonpaying parents in Maryland can also face a damaged credit rating, as the Administration is permitted to report the arrearages to all credit bureaus.
Call (410) 321-4994 For a Free Consultation
Call The Law Offices of Amar S. Weisman at (410) 321-4994 to schedule a Free Consultation. The Purpose of the consultation is to determine whether you want to retain this law firm as your Baltimore County & Harford County Family Lawyer. If you do wish to proceed, then you must pay a retainer. See Our Policy on Fees and Costs. The family firm is located next to The Circuit Court for Baltimore County, at 1018 Dulaney Valley Road, Towson, MD 21204.
