Many Michigan parents dutifully pay child support in order to ensure that their children are taken care of. Unfortunately, many others refuse to pay up and even evade police until they are finally caught. One man, who has been on the run for five years, was recently found and arrested for failing to pay child support. The total? More than half a million dollars.
A tipster led police to the home where the 52-year-old Chicago man was staying. He had been avoiding custody since 2008, when a warrant was issued for his arrest.
He was arrested and then released after paying a cash bond of $23,462.24. He is scheduled to appear in court on April 3. In all, the man owes $555,876 in child support for his three children.
The penalty for failure to pay child support can vary, depending on the circumstances. The courts can seek wage garnishment or place a lien against a person’s assets. The Internal Revenue Service can intercept tax refunds, or a person’s driver’s license or professional license can be revoked. The person could also be unable to obtain a passport. In extreme cases like these, the person is jailed. Putting a person in jail doesn’t really do much to solve the problem, which is why this type of punishment is used only as a last resort.
Child support payments are based on the noncustodial parent’s income and financial situation. When a person is financially unable to make a payment, it is not a good idea to ignore the situation. The parent should discuss the matter with the court and request temporary help rather than letting the situation get out of control.
Source: Chicago Sun-Times, “Man who owes $555K in child support caught after 5 years” Jeff Mayes, Mar. 26, 2014