If you are struggling with child support, you might be worried about how this predicament could affect your future. From damage to your reputation to problems with your child’s other parent and even the threat of arrest, there are many reasons why falling behind on child support can be stressful. Moreover, back child support can create stress and financial hurdles for parents who are supposed to receive payments as well. On top of these issues, child support delinquency can interfere with a person’s life in other ways, such as preventing them from obtaining a passport.
According to the U.S. Department of State, those who have $2,500 or more in unpaid child support are not able to successfully apply for a U.S. passport. In order to regain their eligibility, child support arrears must be paid first. It is also important to point out that it can take several weeks for a person who is in this position to receive their passport after paying arrears. Without a passport, people may face a handful of problems, such as missing out on an important event overseas, canceling vacation plans that they have been looking forward to for years, and missing out on crucial business meetings.
Sometimes, people have a hard time with child support because they are facing financial hurdles due to a health problem or job loss. In some instances, the modification of a child support order is an option for those who have had significant financial changes. If you have fallen behind, addressing your back child support should be a top priority.