A lost job, a pay cut, a second family and the birth of another child … a lot of life changes and unforeseen circumstances can make it difficult to pay child support. Unfortunately, once you get behind, it can be very difficult to catch up. The longer you fail to pay, the more likely it is the state will take action by:

• • Wage garnishment
  • Seizing tax refunds or bank accounts
  • Warrants issued and possible jail time
  • Revocation of driver’s license (making it extremely difficult to work and pay)
  • Revocation of professional licenses or even hunting and fishing licenses

Let Texas bankruptcy lawyer Patty Edwards help you put an end to past due child support and the endless cycle of state penalties.

CHILD SUPPORT DEBT IS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER DEBT

 

Parents have a legal and moral obligation to pay for their child’s basic needs that supports the child’s well-being. These payments cover the costs of necessities for children such as clothing, food, and shelter. They also help pay for their education through school tuition, supplies, tutors and even lunch money. 

If one parent cannot pay child support, the other parent may turn to taxpayer-funded state aid for help; which is a situation the state does not want. Past-due child support is treated differently from other debt and cannot be discharged in bankruptcy. But that does not mean bankruptcy can not help you alleviate the wage garnishment and get back on track.

 

HOW BANKRUPTCY CAN IMPROVE YOUR FINANCIAL SITUATION

 

Filing for Chapter 7 or Chapter 13 bankruptcy will immediately stops wage garnishment and seizure of your assets.
If you are having trouble paying child support because of large credit card debts or payday loans, Chapter 7 bankruptcy can relieve you of those debts, allowing you to allocate more money to pay child support.

Chapter 13 debt reorganization helps you secure affordable monthly payments on all of your debt which can ultimately help you catch up on any child support arrears (past due payments.) If you are behind on child support, a Chapter 13  bankruptcy allows you to repay your delinquent child support arrears ahead of unsecured creditors and IRS debt. This allows you to regain control of your support obligations. For those who have delinquent child support, a preferred advantage of Chapter 13 bankruptcy is that it avoids and/or stops additional garnishment of wages.

 

EVEN SMALL STEPS IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION CAN BRING GREAT RELIEF

 

Avoid getting discouraged. Let Texas bankruptcy lawyer Patty Edwards help you decide whether filing for bankruptcy (and which type) is your best option while addressing your child support obligations and significantly reducing your debt.