In Rhode Island, both parents have a legal obligation to financially support their children, even when the parents are separated or divorced. Child support is essential for the well-being of children, and parents who fail to pay child support can face legal consequences.
Establishing Child Support
To ensure that children receive financial support from both parents, the state of Rhode Island has established guidelines for calculating child support based on the parents’ income and the needs of the child. The court will consider the following factors when determining child support:
- The child’s needs
- The income of both parents
- The number of children
- The custody arrangement
- Any health-related expenses
Once the court has established a child support order, it is legally binding and enforceable.
Enforcing Child Support Orders
Unfortunately, many parents fail to meet their financial obligations to their children. When a parent fails to pay child support, the other parent can seek enforcement of the child support order through the Rhode Island Office of Child Support Services (OCSS).
OCSS has several tools and methods to enforce child support orders, including:
Income Withholding
Rhode Island law allows OCSS to withhold child support payments directly from a parent’s paycheck. This is a particularly effective method of enforcement, as it ensures that child support payments are made on time and in full.
Liens on Property and Assets
OCSS can also place liens on a parent’s property, including homes, vehicles, and bank accounts. If the parent fails to pay child support, these assets can be seized and sold to cover the child support debt.
Driver’s License Suspension
Rhode Island law allows for the suspension of a noncustodial parent’s driver’s license if they are three or more months behind on child support payments.
Passport Denial
Parents who are over $2,500 behind on child support payments may be subject to passport denial. This means that they will be unable to obtain or renew a passport until they pay their child support debt.
Conclusion
In Rhode Island, child support is a legal and enforceable obligation. The state has established guidelines for calculating child support to ensure that children receive the financial support they need. When a parent fails to pay child support, the other parent can seek enforcement through OCSS. With tools like income withholding, liens on property, and driver’s license suspension, OCSS has the power to enforce child support orders and ensure that children receive the financial support they deserve.