Parents may find themselves in a position where staying current on child support is no longer possible. From a health problem that suddenly appeared to the loss of a job, various challenges can leave a non-custodial parent with serious financial problems. For those who are unable to pay child support, the financial pressures they are facing may interfere with life in other ways, such as the cancellation of travel plans. In fact, a parent who has fallen far enough behind on their child support obligations may not even be able to get a passport in the first place.

The U.S. Department of State points out that when a parent owes at least $2,500 in back child support, their passport eligibility is revoked. By making arrears, a parent in this position may be able to have their name cleared, but it can take a matter of weeks. If you are planning on applying for a passport to leave the country for leisurely travel or business, it is important to avoid becoming delinquent on your child support responsibilities and immediately take steps to address back child support, if you can. Those who have not been able to address this problem may have to miss out on key events in other countries, such as a funeral, business meeting, or wedding.

Paying child support can be especially hard in some situations. However, parents who have experienced significant financial changes might be able to modify their child support order, which can be very helpful and may prevent this dilemma altogether.