Father's Rights: What Do You Need To Know About Wage Garnishments?
Did you know that your wages can be garnished if you do not make your child support payments? In some states, wage garnishment is automatic.
If you are not able to meet the child support obligations that have been ordered, you should request a modification of the child support order. You should not just stop making the child support payments on your own without notifying the proper parties. If you do not make your child support payments, the parent who is receiving the child support payment can request to have the child support payments garnished.
When the court agrees to a certain child support order, the parent who is receiving the child support payments will send a copy of the court order to the company you are working for. According to the law, your employer is required by law to send a certain portion of your earnings to the child support agency in your state.
In addition to your earnings that you receive for your job, there are other earnings that can be garnished as well.
Wages That Can Be Garnished
- Commission
- Income that is received from independent contracting
- Bonus pay
- Severance pay
- Unemployment income
If you have unpaid child support payments or if you are in arrears, the custodial parent can take a court order to the proper authorities. The amount of income that can be withheld will depend on the situation you are in. If there have been unpaid child support payments, sometimes half of your earnings can be withheld from your paycheck.
Sometimes the wage garnishments can be reduced, but this is something that will need to be discussed with a lawyer. If you are finding yourself in a difficult situation regarding child support, please do not hesitate to contact us today.