Withholding Visitation for Unpaid Child Support

Do you ever get frustrated with your ex about unpaid child support? Frustrated enough to withhold visitation? Having that much anger is understandable, but you might want to think twice before you actually withhold visitation for unpaid child support. Here's why.

In desperation, many parents wonder why they can't just withhold visitation in response to unpaid child support. "Wouldn't it finally force my ex to pay up?" many ask. Not necessarily, and it could actually hurt your good standing with the judge presiding over your case.

The Connect Between Child Support and Visitation

These two processes, child support and visitation, are viewed as two completely separate issues in the eyes of the law. Parents don't "earn" the right to a relationship with their child by paying child support. It seems like that would be logical, but it just doesn't work that way. Before you go so far as to withhold visitation for unpaid child support, consider the following:

1. Visitation is your child's right. A child deserves the opportunity to cultivate a meaningful relationship with both parents, and studies report that children with balanced custody arrangements have higher self-esteem. In the event that a non-custodial parent can't afford to pay child support (for example, due to a job loss), then the child shouldn't have to "pay" by being prevented from having a relationship with that parent.
2. Financial support is each parent's responsibility. In addition, it is both parents' responsibility to provide for a child's financial needs. Deciding not to have a relationship with one's child, as some non-custodial parents have done, does not excuse the parent from their financial responsibilities. Therefore parents who don't regularly see their children are still required to pay child support, otherwise they are subject to punishment by law.

Child Safety Concerns

It's important to note that any legitimate concerns about your child's safety should be addressed, but that is generally separate from the issue of whether your ex is paying child support in full or on time.

You may also find it helpful to document your concerns in a journal so that you can accurately recall specific instances should it later becomes necessary for you to testify your concerns.

What to Do About Unpaid Child Support

So what can parents do about unpaid child support? It's best to proactively contact your local Office of Child Support Enforcement to report your concerns. They will be able to apply sanctions, such as garnishing your ex's pay, not allowing them to obtain a legal passport, intercepting unemployment compensation, and even enforcing jail time. It is always best to allow the courts to deal with the issue of unpaid child support for you instead of taking matters into your own hands.

What Not to Do

Again, it's best not to fall into the trap of withholding visitations over unpaid child support. In determining custody issues, many jurisdictions are placing increasing importance on whether each parent supports the child's relationship with the other parent. Therefore any attempt to withhold visitation—except in situations where you believe your child is in danger—could ultimately be used against you in court.