Child support is an important responsibility that every parent must fulfill to ensure the well-being of their children. Failure to pay child support not only affects the child’s financial stability but can also have serious legal consequences for the parent.
One such consequence is losing passport privileges. This can severely restrict a person’s ability to travel internationally.
Suspension and revocation
Passport privileges are essential for traveling abroad for work, leisure or family visits. However, when a parent falls behind on child support payments, the government has the authority to suspend or revoke their passport. According to the Department of State, those who owe over $2,500 in back child support lose their eligibility to get a passport in the U.S.
Losing passport privileges due to unpaid child support can have significant implications on various aspects of a person’s life. It can disrupt travel plans and hinder career opportunities that require international travel. It can strain personal relationships with family members living abroad. Additionally, it can lead to feelings of embarrassment, frustration and stress for the individual facing this consequence.
Addressing unpaid support
For parents who find themselves in this situation, it is essential to address the issue promptly and take steps to fix the situation. This may involve setting up a payment plan and demonstrating a genuine commitment to meeting child support obligations. Furthermore, some parents can modify their child support order. Modification could be an option for those facing significant financial changes that make it hard to pay support.
By addressing the issue proactively and taking steps to meet their child support obligations, parents can work towards protecting or restoring their passport privileges.
