Domestic violence is a persistent and pervasive problem that, for some odd reason, remains a politically toxic topic. To this day, some political representatives want to repeal or limit protections for victims of domestic violence. Domestic violence assaults the mental and physical health of the victim but does it increase the perpetrators’ child support obligations? This post will explore the interaction between domestic violence and child support.
Domestic violence does affect child support but not in a legal way. Many perpetrators of domestic violence are bullies who try to manipulate their victims. A conventional technique of domestic violence perpetrators is to agree to pay child support but only if you agree to not talk to the state government about it.
Don’t fall for this trick. Your ex-partner is simply trying to escape their obligations to your child. The government will ensure that you receive fair support orders and that you can receive the money. The courts are empowered with multiple legal tools to compel compliance, including garnishment of wages.
Finally, if you want to limit your spouse’s contact with you, you can file for a restraining order. There are several types of restraining orders (civil and criminal). Civil orders are instituted by you and entitle you to damages if the person violates them. A criminal order is instituted with a police recommendation and could land the violator in jail.
If you are engaged in a dispute over child support, you may want to retain the assistance of an attorney. Lawyers are good people to work with because they can shield you from the worst that your spouse has to offer. If you fear your spouse, your attorney can be your primary conduit of communication, so you are never intimidated again. A lawyer can also help ensure that your child receives fair support from their parent so that his or her future is financially secured.
