Jail and Failure to Pay Child Support in Utah

Although there are few people who question that parents have an obligation to support their children, there are a growing number of individuals who are concerned that putting people in jail for failing to pay child support is making the problem worse. It is believed that those who are able to pay support but refuse to will be influenced by the threat of jail, but it will only create a cycle of debt and imprisonment for those who truly cannot afford to meet their court-ordered obligations.

Part of the problem is that some parents are ordered to pay child support that they cannot afford. This is exacerbated when they are threatened with and put in jail for not paying what they owe.

It is not uncommon for individuals who have gotten out of jail to have a limited amount of time, sometimes just three months, to pay back a large amount of back child support. When they are unable to afford to do so, they end up back in jail. In addition to jail time, those who do not stay current on payments may have bank accounts or tax refunds seized as well as having their driver’s license suspended.

Child support payments can be essential to a single parent’s ability to make ends meet since raising children can be so expensive. When someone fails to meet their obligations, the custodial parent has a variety of options available to seek support. Along with facing jail time, a parent who is not making payments may also have their wages garnished or a lien put on their property. A lawyer may be able to explain to a custodial parent other legal options that may be available in this regard.

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Nathaniel Garrabrandt and Brown Family Law is where I send people who are seeking Divorce. Highly professional and compassionate. Thank you!
I cannot say enough good about my experience with Brown Family Law. Ray Hingson and paralegal Carren did an excellent job with my case. I will definitely use this firm again for any legal issues.
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Highly recommend Brown Family Law. Life is hard, divorce is harder, and Andrew Christensen is your guy to help you through to the other side.
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There was one issue I felt should have had a different outcome with the court. When I brought it up, the team responded in a very professional and respectful manner, which I truly appreciated. It came to my understanding that the legal system sometimes works in a way that is distant than I thought. This was presented to me in a way that someone outside of the legal system could understand.

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My experience with Jennifer and Brown Family Law was nothing short of amazing. From the very beginning of my initial consultation all the through until my case was settled, I was well taken care of and updated every step of the way. I felt like my team genuinely cared about the outcome of my case, which was refreshing. You get what you pay for, and Brown Family was worth every penny. To say I highly recommend this group is an understatement.
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Andrew Christensen was a great divorce lawyer. He is very experienced, professional, and was great to work with during this difficult process.
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Made my divorce quick and painless. 5 months ago I was feeling very overwhelmed. There was legal issues with protective orders, my ex wife had taken my kids to another country without my consent, I was in way over my head. After speaking with brown law they calmed my nerves took over my case. A few video calls and 5 months later my divorce is finalized with a fair outcome for everyone. It was easy and stress fee, it didn’t even feel like I was going through a divorce.
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