The Deadbeat Parents Punishment Act of 1998: What Is It and Does it Apply in My Chicago Divorce Case?
Child support: when some parents in Chicago hear the word, they can get stressed, anxious, and even a little unsettled. Indeed, there is no question that the issue of child support is often one of the most contentious issues in divorce cases. This issue, however, can become increasingly challenging when one parent refuses to meet their financial obligations. For families in Chicago and throughout the United States, there are both state and federal laws designed to ensure that children receive the important financial support they need. One of the more well-known federal laws is the Deadbeat Parents Punishment Act of 1998. Understanding what this law does and how it fits into the broader child support enforcement system can help you know whether it may affect your situation. Here we explain the ins-and-outs of the Deadbeat Parents Punishment Act of 1998 and where you can get legal help with your Chicago child support case.
Deadbeat Parents Punishment Act of 1998: What You Need to Know
It is important to begin with a little bit of history of the Deadbeat Parents Punishment Act. The Deadbeat Parents Punishment Act (also called the “DPPA”) was passed by Congress in 1998 to strengthen the penalties against parents who willfully avoid paying court-ordered child support. It is a federal criminal law that targets the most serious cases of child support nonpayment. The act makes it a felony to willfully fail to pay child support obligations under certain conditions. For example, if a parent owes more than five thousand dollars in past-due support for a child who lives in another state, or if the parent has failed to pay for more than a year, that parent can be prosecuted under federal law. Penalties can include fines and even prison time.
When Does the Deadbeat Parents Punishment Act Come Into Play In a Chicago Divorce?
It is also important to understand that most child support enforcement cases are handled at the state level. In Illinois, the Department of Healthcare and Family Services plays a central role in enforcing support orders. This can involve wage garnishment, intercepting tax refunds, suspending drivers or professional licenses, and placing liens on property. These remedies are usually the first line of enforcement and are far more common than federal prosecution. The DPPA, however, comes into play in the most extreme situations, especially when a parent has crossed state lines to avoid payment or when the arrears reach very high amounts. In those cases, federal authorities can step in to pursue charges in addition to the state remedies already in place.
Getting Legal Help With Your Child Support Case In Chicago
If you are in the Chicago area and you need legal help with your child support case, contact the experienced Chicago child support lawyers at the law firm Arnoux Sharma Standeford, LLC. The experienced Chicago child support lawyers at Arnoux Sharma Standeford, LLC are here to help Chicago parents with their challenging child support issues. Contact Arnoux Sharma Standeford, LLC and speak to a lawyer about your case now.
Source:
justice.gov/criminal/criminal-ceos/child-support-enforcement
