Losing custody of your child can bring about many questions and uncertainties, especially when it comes to financial obligations like child support. A common misconception is that child support ends when custody is lost. However, custody and child support in Kansas City are treated as separate legal issues. While custody determines where your child lives and who makes major decisions, child support in Kansas City ensures their financial needs are consistently met, no matter the living arrangement.
Both Kansas and Missouri courts prioritize the child’s best interests, and financial stability plays a key role in their well-being. This means that even if you no longer have physical or legal custody, you are likely still responsible for contributing to your child’s expenses unless a court decides otherwise. Ignoring this responsibility without proper legal action can lead to serious consequences.
What Happens If I Stop Paying Child Support Without Court Approval?
Choosing to stop paying child support in Kansas City without court authorization can lead to serious and far-reaching consequences. If you fail to meet your obligations, you may face the following repercussions:
- Wage Garnishment: The state can legally mandate your employer to withhold a portion of your paycheck until the unpaid support is recovered.
- License Suspension: Both your driver’s license and professional licenses can be suspended, making it difficult to maintain employment or even handle daily responsibilities.
- Tax Refund Seizure: Federal and state tax refunds can be intercepted and applied to your unpaid child support balance.
- Contempt of Court: Failure to comply with a court order can result in fines, court fees, or even jail time, placing your personal and professional life in jeopardy.
In addition to these penalties, non-payment of child support in Kansas City can damage your credibility in future legal proceedings related to child custody or support modifications. If you’re facing financial difficulties, seeking a court-approved modification is the only safe and responsible path forward. Ignoring the issue or attempting to stop payments on your own will only worsen the situation. Always consult an experienced family law attorney to explore your options and protect your rights.
When and How to Seek a Child Support Modification in Kansas City
If you’ve experienced a significant change in circumstances, such as losing custody, a job loss, or a substantial shift in income, and you are unable to pay your child support, it’s important to seek a modification of your child support in Kansas City promptly. Courts allow for adjustments to child support orders to reflect changes in financial situations or custody arrangements, but these modifications are not automatic and must be requested through the proper legal channels.
Here’s what you need to know:
- File a Motion: Start by submitting a formal motion to the court to review your child support order. This ensures your request is officially considered.
- Provide Supporting Evidence: You’ll need to demonstrate changes in custody, income, or other factors that impact your ability to meet the current obligation. Documentation is key to building a strong case.
- Court Review: The court evaluates your request based on child support guidelines. It considers changes in parenting plans, income disparities, and the evolving financial needs of your child to determine if an adjustment is warranted.
Filing as soon as possible is critical, as modifications are not retroactive. You are required to continue paying your current child support amount until the court officially approves the modification.
How Can Kansas Legal Group Help You?
At Kansas Legal Group, we understand that child support and custody issues can feel overwhelming, especially when your circumstances are changing. Whether you’re facing a loss of custody, a sudden change in income, or challenges with enforcing or modifying a support order, our experienced family law attorneys are here to provide the guidance and support you need. We know that every family is unique, and we work closely with you to develop strategies tailored to your situation.
Don’t navigate the complexities of child support in Kansas City alone. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward resolving your child support concerns with confidence.