QUESTION
How much time can I get for not paying my child support?
Asked on Sep 19th, 2011 on Child Custody - Oregon
More details to this question:
I just wanted to know how much time can I do if I don't pay my child support.
12 ANSWERS
Divorce & Separation Attorney serving Menasha, WI
at
Petit & Dommershausen, S.C.
Update Your Profile
Depends-6 months for contempt of court. If you are criminally charged with misdemeanors-9 months for every 90 days of non-payment. If felony, I believe it is now 6 years for every 120 days of non-payment.
Answered on Sep 20th, 2011 at 9:30 AM
Patricia C. Van Haren
Since non-payment of support is a civil contempt matter, the amount of time would be left to the discretion of the judge. Prior to being placed into custody however, the courts will take other actions to motivate you to pay, such as revocation of a driver's license and passport, garnishment of wages and income taxes, revocation and denial of any professional licenses and then finally jail.
Answered on Sep 20th, 2011 at 8:54 AM
Criminal Defense Attorney serving Pittsburgh, PA
at
Law Office of Jeffrey L. Pollock
Update Your Profile
You can initially get 6 months in jail for Civil Contempt, then 6 months for each infraction after that. Talk to a lawyer to consider filing for modification or strategizing some other more productive way.
Answered on Sep 20th, 2011 at 8:06 AM
Glen Edward Ashman
In Georgia, you can get a year in jail each time you fail to pay for 30 days.
Answered on Sep 20th, 2011 at 8:05 AM
Family Law Attorney serving Pasadena, CA
at
Law Offices of Paul P. Cheng
Update Your Profile
5 days for each charge of contempt.
Answered on Sep 20th, 2011 at 7:53 AM
Family Law Attorney serving Santa Ana, CA
at
Law Office of Rhonda Ellifritz
Update Your Profile
It would be better to sort this out and get on a payment arrangement rather than going to jail. Going to jail does not wipe your debt clean, and will only put you further behind.
Answered on Sep 19th, 2011 at 8:57 PM
Medical Malpractice Attorney serving Clermont, FL
at
Joanna Mitchell & Associates, P.A.
Update Your Profile
They can put you in jail with a "purge" amount, and you won't get out until the "purge" amount is paid. Even if they don't put you in jail, they can suspend your drivers' license, garnish your bank accounts, garnish your wages, all sorts of stuff. If you are unable to pay your child support due to a financial change, you should file for a modification immediately.
Answered on Sep 19th, 2011 at 4:32 PM
Probate Law Attorney serving Colorado Springs, CO
at
John E. Kirchner
Update Your Profile
That isn't possible to answer because nonpayment of child support is not a crime under Colorado law. If you fail to pay, a court can find you in contempt and in some cases could confine you to jail until you pay what is owed. It is entirely up to the judge based on the facts and circumstances and the reasons you fail to pay.
Answered on Sep 19th, 2011 at 4:24 PM
Bankruptcy Attorney serving Huntington Beach, CA
at
The English Law Firm
Update Your Profile
It depends on how the action is filed. If the DCSS files it as contempt of court, then you can get usually up to five days for each count (month not paid). If it is referred to the prosecution, it can be filed as a criminal offense for failure to follow court order and that is a misdemeanor. Most misdemeanors carry penalties of a maximum of six months or one year of jail time. There is not usually a minimum jail time for these offenses.
Answered on Sep 19th, 2011 at 4:23 PM
Mediation Attorney serving Bloomfield, NJ
at
Cassandra T. Savoy, PC
Update Your Profile
Depends. Could be indefinite. The real sin is not failing to pay child support. The sin is failing to obey a court order. You would be in contempt of court.
Answered on Sep 19th, 2011 at 4:19 PM
General Civil Trial Practice Attorney serving Beaverton, OR
at
Vincent J. Bernabei, LLC
Update Your Profile
Maximum: up to 6 mos., but that's highly unlikely. The DA will ask that you pay the current support + 20% of the current amount, to be applied toward the past due support amount. If you do that, you shouldn't go to jail. 7
Answered on Sep 19th, 2011 at 4:18 PM
Gary Moore
You can be placed in jail and granted work release to go to work and stay in jail at night and on the weekend until your arrears are satisfied.
Answered on Sep 19th, 2011 at 4:18 PM