Divorce brings about many changes in the lives of all family members involved. One of these changes relates to child support. If your spouse refuses to pay child support during your North Dakota divorce, it can add an extra layer of stress to an already challenging time.
What steps you can take if your spouse is not fulfilling their child support obligations? By understanding your options, you can ensure your children continue to receive the financial support they need.
Understanding child support in North Dakota
North Dakota mandates that both parents contribute to the financial well-being of their children. The non-custodial parent usually makes payments to the custodial parent to help meet the children’s needs.
Documenting non-payment of child support
Keep a record if your spouse fails to pay child support. You should document the dates and amounts of the missed payments. You will need this documentation when you take steps to enforce the child support order.
Reporting non-payment to Child Support Enforcement
You can report the non-payment to the North Dakota Child Support Enforcement Agency. They have the power to take various measures to enforce child support orders, including income withholding, interception of tax refunds and suspension of licenses.
Requesting a court hearing
If your spouse continues to refuse to pay, you can request a court hearing. During the hearing, the judge can find your spouse in contempt of court for failing to follow the child support order. Penalties can include fines, jail time or both.
Promoting open communication
While taking the necessary steps to enforce child support, also try to maintain open communication with your spouse. Sometimes, non-payment arises from financial hardships, and a conversation might lead to a temporary modification of the child support order.
If your spouse refuses to pay child support during your North Dakota divorce, you have several avenues for addressing the issue. By taking these steps, you can navigate this challenging situation while putting your children’s well-being first.