Does back child support impact passport eligibility?

On Behalf of | Jul 30, 2019 | Family Law And Divorce

Various legal complications often arise for parents who fall behind on their child support obligations. It is very important for non-custodial parents to be aware of their responsibilities and the potential impact of delinquency. Aside from being taken into custody, one’s wages and their tax refund may also be affected by their inability to remain current. Moreover, other potential roadblocks could surface due to missing child support payments, such as ineligibility to receive or use a U.S. passport.

The U.S. Department of State has provided relevant information for non-custodial parents who are concerned about their back child support and whether their unpaid obligations may affect passport eligibility. According to the Department of State, owing over $2,500 worth of unpaid child support will prevent one from being able to receive a U.S. passport.

Once a parent has made payment arrangements to satisfy their obligations, the process of restoring their passport eligibility may take a number of weeks. This can be problematic for those who need to travel during a certain timeframe. Parents who wish to use a U.S. passport soon are well-advised to pay arrears and address their obligations in a timely manner.

For some parents, financial challenges prevent them from staying ahead on their child support. From losing a job to suffering a health crisis, there are a lot of reasons why non-custodial parents fail to stay current. It is important for those who are currently dealing with unpaid child support or anticipate delinquency due to financial matters to consider their legal options. For some, modifying a child support order may be a feasible solution to avoid these consequences.