If you are paying child support, it is likely according to an arrangement set out by a court. Child support remains a legal obligation in 2024 to ensure that your children are well taken care of following their parents’ separation or divorce.
Connecticut sets strict laws and guidelines for establishing, modifying, or terminating child support orders. Unlawful child support termination can affect a child’s well-being and lead to financial problems for the custodial parent.
This means you cannot just stop paying child support, regardless of your reasons.
When Can Child Support Be Terminated?
In most cases, non-custodial parents can stop paying child support when their child turns 18. However, this is subject to change because of various factors. You must continue paying child support if your child has not graduated high school by age 18.
If your child lives with a disability, it will also affect child support termination rules. In this instance, you may need to continue paying until your child turns 26.
A court can also modify or terminate child support based on a change in circumstances. These changes may include more or less income, evolving custody arrangements, or your child’s specific needs.
You cannot cease paying child support payments without a court order. If you want to stop paying, you will likely have to petition to have the court order terminated.
Legal Consequences of Unlawful Child Support Termination
If you stop paying child support without approaching the court, you may face harsh penalties.
The court that set up the child support order will likely find you in contempt for violating the order. If you are found in contempt, you may be ordered to pay a sum of money. If you cannot pay, you can be jailed until it is paid.
If you are not sent to jail, your driver’s license and other professional licenses may be revoked. Your non-payment may be reported to credit bureaus, negatively impacting your credit score.
Even worse, the state can intercept your tax refunds and reallocate them to the custodial parent to compensate for the non-payment.
Financial Implications of Ceasing Child Support Payments
Your finances will be severely impacted if you stop paying child support unlawfully. Every missed payment will accumulate, and you will eventually have to pay the whole sum.
You may also have to pay accumulating interest and penalties, which will increase the longer you do not pay child support.
Furthermore, the custodial parent may take legal action against you to enforce the child support order. You will then likely be held responsible for court costs and attorney fees, especially if it is found that you unlawfully stopped paying.
The Impact on Your Child
All the penalties (and even jail time) you may have to endure will not compare to the impact your non-payment will have on your child.
If you were ordered to pay child support, your child needs financial support. Your child support payments go towards buying food and clothing for your child. Without your payments, your child will lack these things and suffer for it.
If your payments help pay for the custodial parent’s home, non-payment means your child may no longer have a roof over their head. Even if your payments only go towards education, a lack of money will mean your child can no longer attend school or enjoy extracurricular activities.
A lack of payments will also likely mean your child cannot receive medical checkups or treatment. They will not receive vaccinations when needed. This could spell dire health consequences for your child.
Additionally, when you stop paying, your child may experience a severe emotional and psychological setback. They may believe you no longer care and that you have abandoned them. This may lead to behavioral issues and long-term trauma.
Your child is an innocent victim of the conflict and separation between you and your ex-partner. It is wrong to deprive them of their basic needs and cause a decline in their well-being.
What If You Cannot Pay
If you cannot pay because of a change in your circumstances, you must get legal advice. A family law attorney can provide guidance and support while reviewing your child support order and represent your interests while negotiating with the custodial parent.
A lawyer can present evidence and legal arguments to help arrange a new and feasible payment plan. They can also file a petition to modify the existing child support order, if necessary.
If you believe your child support order is excessive or unfair, your attorney may also be able to help you get it modified. Whatever your reason for not paying or paying less, you must always follow the proper legal channels to get changes made to your existing child support order.
