If you owe child support, or you will soon need to make payments because you are splitting up with your child’s other parent, you need to take a look at various issues related to support. Aside from reviewing factors courts consider when awarding child support, you should examine the financial impact of this obligation and some of the ways in which you can make payments in order to avoid falling behind.
Unfortunately, some non-custodial parents are unable to stay caught up on child support, which can lead to a host of challenges. From the threat of arrest to wage garnishment, tax refund interception, a shattered reputation and the loss of passport privileges, back child support leads to many hardships.
Looking at income withholding orders and child support
According to the Tennessee Department of Human Services, a majority of non-custodial parents pay child support through income withholding orders. These orders, issued to one’s employer, allow employers to automatically withhold child support payments and send them to the state.
However, some non-custodial parents have to make payments via other methods before they have an income withholding order and some parents, such as self-employed individuals, are not able to pay child support in this way.
Looking at online child support payments and other methods
If you are unable to pay child support through an income withholding order, you can make payments online by using your credit or debit card. You can also use your mobile phone or make payments in person at certain participating locations. Furthermore, you can pay child support by mailing a money order or check to the State Disbursement Unit.
