According to the Minot Police, a 41-year-old man was arrested by authorities for having nearly $100,000 in child support arrears. Michigan residents will find it interesting to learn that the 41-year-old man was pulled over by the police for having an expired registration. Apparently as part of the traffic stop, the officer who pulled the man over conducted a warrant check to see if there were any active warrants.
The warrant check showed that the man has a no-bond felony warrant out for his arrest for owing a large amount in child support money. Shortly thereafter, the man was arrested, and taken to Ward County Jail for processing. Many Michigan parents who are required to pay child support to the custodial parent for their child or children may not realize it, but there are some very serious consequences for failure to pay one’s child support.
As the case of above illustrates, a parent who fails to timely pay their child support and accrues child support arrears may have a warrant issued for their arrest. The individual could face prison time. In Michigan, the courts use a formula and state guidelines to determine the monthly child support payment that the non-custodial parent will be required to pay. This formula takes into account the income of the parents and also related childcare, daycare, health, and medical expenses.
In today’s tough economy where people are simply struggling to make ends meet, some parents may not be able to make their monthly child support payment. When such a change in circumstances occurs, it is essential for the parent ordered to pay child support to understand all their available options. They may benefit from contacting a family law attorney familiar with child support modification motions to file one on one’s behalf.
Source: KMOT-TV, “Michigan Man Arrested for Owing Child Support,” Mark Charter, Feb. 23, 2014
