When a parent fails to pay child support, it can lead to serious consequences. For example, it can impact their passport privileges.
Parents struggling with child support payments should review how passport denial works and strategies to avoid this problem.
Passport denial and revocation
In the United States, the federal government has the authority to take action against parents who are not fulfilling their child support obligations. One of the measures that can be taken is the loss of passport privileges for individuals who owe a significant amount of unpaid child support.
If you owe more than $2,500 in back child support, the Department of State says that you could lose your passport privileges. If this happens, the government could deny, revoke or restrict your passport. This means that you may not be able to obtain a new passport, renew your existing passport or travel internationally until you have resolved your child support arrears.
Protecting passport privileges
Having your passport privileges restricted can have a significant impact on your life. It can prevent you from traveling for work, visiting family members abroad, going on vacation or even attending important events such as weddings or funerals. There are several steps you can take to address this issue. First, contact your state child support enforcement agency to understand the exact amount you owe and develop a repayment plan. Make regular child support payments to reduce your arrears and demonstrate your commitment to fulfilling your obligations. If you are facing financial difficulties, explore options for managing your child support payments.
Taking proactive steps to address unpaid child support can help you avoid the consequences of having your passport privileges restricted. By fulfilling your child support obligations, you not only comply with the law but also prioritize the welfare of your child.