From time behind bars to fines and a damaged reputation, you may be aware of some of the different repercussions associated with missing child support payments. In Peoria and other parts of Illinois, some fathers may go through these hardships because they could no longer pay child support after the loss of their job or some other issue they did not see coming. However, you should do what you can to address this situation if you are having trouble with payments, from setting up a payment plan to modifying your child support order. You may also want to be aware of certain factors that could impact your circumstances. For example, it could be helpful to realize when unpaid child support is handled at the federal level.’

Often, child support delinquency is taken care of by authorities at the local and state level, according to the U.S Department of Justice. That said, there are times when federal authorities may become involved. For example, if a person who is obligated to pay child support leaves the state in an attempt to evade making payments and they owe more than $5,000 or have not paid child support for over a year, the federal government may decide to prosecute their case. Moreover, they could face up to two years behind bars if they owe over $5,000.

If you are facing these hurdles yourself, it is pivotal to go over your options and be aware of your rights, especially with matters that are this serious. Please remember, this is no alternative to legal advice.