If you owe a significant amount of back child support, or if your ex fails to make payments, it is important to go over the potential consequences associated with back support and enforcement actions that can follow, such as the interception of tax refunds, the loss of licenses and even arrest.
In fact, unpaid child support can affect a non-custodial parent’s passport privileges. If you owe back support and have an overseas vacation planned, or need to travel for business purposes, understand how child support delinquency can interfere with your plans.
Back child support and passport eligibility
According to the U.S. Department of State, parents who owe more than $2,500 in back child support cannot receive U.S. passports. Some parents owe more child support than others and reach this threshold quicker. Moreover, parents who owe back child support in excess of $2,500 have their passports revoked.
Addressing back child support to restore passport privileges
If you have fallen behind on child support payments and want to get caught up in order to restore your passport privileges, make sure you address this situation promptly. The Department of State suggests that parents in this position pay arrears to the correct state agency prior to applying for a passport. Once a delinquent parent makes proper payment arrangements, the government restores passport privileges. However, you should note that it can take up to three weeks for the agency to remove your name from their list.
Losing passport privileges and other consequences associated with back support make life hard for many non-custodial parents. Make sure you stay current and address unpaid support swiftly.
