Garnishment in Child Support Actions

When the assets of the absent parent are unknown and outside the jurisdiction of the court, a garnishment of the parent's wages to collect past due child support obligations may be appropriate.

Child Support Modification when Child Reaches Age of Majority

In most situations, a parent is no longer obligated to pay child support for a child after the child reaches the age of majority. However, the parent is not automatically permitted to stop making payments. If the parent wants to stop or modify the child support obligation, the parent may be required to file a motion with the court.

Suspension or Denial of Licenses for Child Support Arrearages

In order to improve the effectiveness of child support collections, states are required to enact laws to deny or suspend the driver's license or professional license of anyone found to have failed to pay his or her child support obligation.

Income Withholding for Child Support Actions

Wage withholding is a method of paying child support by having the obligation taken directly out of the parent's pay by the employer. Some parents voluntarily agree to wage withholding; others have it imposed upon them by a court.

Emergency Jurisdiction Issues in Child Custody Proceedings

Under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) and the Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act (PKPA), a court may exercise jurisdiction when it is necessary to protect a child, the child's parent, or the child's sibling.