Ensuring Child Support Compliance in South Carolina
Child support is essential for providing financial stability and ensuring that a child’s needs are met. When a non-custodial parent fails to make child support payments, the custodial parent may struggle with raising children without the necessary financial support. If you are facing difficulties with child support enforcement, an experienced child support lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and take action to ensure compliance.
At Sarah Henry Law, our Greenville child support lawyer assists parents in enforcing child support orders and ensuring that children receive the financial support they are entitled to under South Carolina law.
Understanding Child Support Enforcement
In South Carolina, child support payments are legally required once ordered by the family court. If the paying parent falls behind or refuses to pay child support, legal action can be taken to enforce the order. The South Carolina Department of Social Services assists with enforcement, but legal representation from a child support attorney can strengthen your case and help achieve the best outcome.
Common Child Support Issues
- A parent refuses to pay child support despite a court order.
- Child support payments are consistently late or incomplete.
- The paying parent is hiding income or underreporting earnings.
- The other parent is unemployed but capable of earning an income.
- The custodial parent is not receiving child support as ordered.
If you are experiencing any of these challenges, our experienced child support lawyer can help you take the appropriate legal steps to enforce the support order.
Legal Options for Enforcing Child Support Orders
Contempt Actions
When a parent fails to pay child support, the court can find them in contempt. Consequences may include:
- Wage garnishment to ensure direct payment from their paycheck
- Seizure of tax refunds or unemployment benefits
- Suspension of driver’s licenses and professional licenses
- Potential jail time for repeated violations
Wage Garnishment and Income Withholding
The court can order that child support payments be automatically deducted from the paying parent’s paycheck. This ensures consistent payments and reduces the risk of missed obligations.
Liens and Asset Seizure
If a non-custodial parent refuses to pay child support, liens may be placed on their property, bank accounts, or other assets to secure unpaid child support payments.
License Suspensions and Other Penalties
South Carolina law allows for the suspension of a paying parent’s driver’s license or professional licenses if they fail to meet their financial obligation. This serves as an incentive to comply with child support orders.
Child Support Modifications in South Carolina
In some cases, the paying parent may be unable to pay due to a medical condition, job loss, or other circumstances. If circumstances change significantly, either parent can request a child support modification. The court will review many factors, including:
- Changes in income or employment status
- A child’s medical or educational needs
- Other factors affecting the child’s well-being
A child support modification does not eliminate past-due payments but may adjust future obligations. Our law firm can help you determine if a modification is appropriate for your case.
How Our Greenville Child Support Lawyer Can Help
At Sarah Henry Law, we represent parents in child support cases, including enforcement actions and modifications. Our legal counsel includes:
- Assisting custodial parents in enforcing child support orders
- Representing non-custodial parents who are unable to pay due to valid circumstances
- Filing contempt actions against parents who refuse to comply
- Seeking modifications when financial situations change
We understand the importance of child support in ensuring a child’s well-being and will work to secure a fair and enforceable resolution.
Contact a Greenville Child Support Enforcement Lawyer Today
If you need help enforcing a child support order, a Greenville Child Support Enforcement Lawyer at Sarah Henry Law can provide the legal guidance you need. Call (864) 478-8324 to schedule a consultation. You can also reach us through our contact page. Let us help you protect your child’s financial future.
FAQs About Child Support Enforcement in Greenville
1. What happens if a parent refuses to pay child support?
If a parent refuses to pay child support, the court may take legal action, including wage garnishment, license suspension, or even jail time for repeated violations.
2. Can I modify child support if my financial situation changes?
Yes, if circumstances change significantly, such as job loss or a medical condition, you can request a child support modification through the family court.
3. Can a custodial parent deny visitation if the other parent doesn’t pay child support?
No, child support and visitation are separate legal matters. A custodial parent must follow the court-ordered visitation schedule even if child support is not being paid.
4. How does the South Carolina Department of Social Services enforce child support?
The department of social services assists with wage garnishments, tax refund interceptions, and other enforcement methods to collect unpaid child support.
5. What are the penalties for failing to pay child support in South Carolina?
Penalties may include wage garnishment, suspension of a driver’s license, asset seizures, and, in extreme cases, jail time for contempt of court.
