So I am wondering something (given the economy as it is) - your thoughts?

[The Straight Story]

My X and I are working out child support payments and such and while we had hoped to avoid the government in all of it she signed up for welfare so now we have to go through the system for it all.

When it is all said and done if I start missing payments (say I lose my job and can't find one for example) I could end up in jail.

How many others are in my position? While I am working I am sure many others who owe child support are not - and what will happen to them? If my job ends and I am out of work, could I end up in jail soon?

To be honest I am worried. I have made sure my daughter has had anything she needed since she was born (she will be 8 this month), and now if I lose my job I am not so much worried about keeping the lights on as I am about going to jail.

How many more are in this position and what should they (could they) do?

[Muttocracy]

1. seems like being unable to pay is different than being delinquent/refusing to pay. nt

[SheilaT]

2. My ex has recently lost his

job and so payments to me have been cut. He's not going to jail. Personally, I wouldn't mind if he did go, because as far as I can tell he's making no effort to find work.

But your post indicates you have every intention of doing right by your ex and your daughter, and I suspect if you lose your job you will find another one, even if it pays less than what you do now.

Men who don't make support payments rarely go to jail, so far as I know. At worst they may have their wages garnished, and income tax refunds can be diverted, but not jail. So please don't worry, especially as you truly intend to do the right thing.

[janx]

3. True. n/t

[bob4460]

4. hope you are not in kentucky

they will lock you up for it Google non support and your state

[rwheeler31]

5. Your daughter will be fine if you both love her.

Can you relax? Money is not everything.

[janx]

6. As long as you are working or looking for work, you'll be fine.

The court will ask you to pay a percentage of your income. If you can't pay it, due to the loss of a job or whatever, they're not going to place you in jail. It's only when a parent tries to get around paying child support when it's clear he or she can do so (and obviously you won't), that the parent gets into trouble with the law.

A word of advice from a woman who has been through this situation twice (and please don't think that I'm making assumptions about you ;-)) : Don't get married again and have children quickly. You may find yourself feeling lonely, but your little girl is your priority, and while you can certainly have friends and lovers, don't hurt yourself financially, emotionally, and spiritually by finding another wife and having more children.

Good luck to you, man! I've read and remembered some of your posts and hope for the best regarding your situation. :hi: :hug:

[MercutioATC]

7. Just make sure to notify the Court immediately if you lose your job.

You'll have to ask for a modification of child support.

As long as you're not just avoiding paying, your chances of going to jail are very slim.