What are the chances of me going to jail if I owe $1500 in back child support

Question

last year I caught up with my back payments last october $3700 and then lost my job. now I owe $1500 with 8 months to go till her 18th b-day what to do if I only have $500 to pay.

Answer 1

I suggest you get off your butt and find a way to fulfill your financial obligations. You sound a bit like my wife's useless ex-husband. He currently owes $1900 in back payments for an 8yr old. Don't be a bum like him.

Answer 2

I don't know how it is in your county, but when I used to work with Family services I can tell you this:

Make an appointment with the social service in your area that is responsible for child support.  Tell them what you told us here.  You lost your job, but you have 500 dollars now.  They will most likely work with you.  It's really only the deadbeats who don't even try to pay that they will go after.  

Answer 3

do you have a court order? if so you may want to get it reduced for the time being, explaining ur cirucumstances...not sure what state ur in but my ex (a bum who never works) has owed as much as $20k and never got put in jail....$1500 really isnt much..not compared to a lot of other ppl not paying...

Answer 4

They don't want you in jail for child support, they want the money.  They will threaten you with jail, and use jail time only as a last resort.

If you do not pay what you owe by her 18th birthday, you will still be paying after her birthday.

Answer 5

Depends. You could go to jail. More likely if you had to be brought to court before and forced to pay. If you're paying through the attorney general, you need to talk to the child support officer in your case and explain what amount you can pay and when. It's not like probation where they have to collect it all before the child turns 18. But do talk to the court, the AG, and your ex. People do definitely go to jail for failing to pay, although it's usually for far more money than you owe. But the bad thing is jail time doesn't count against it, and in many places, the only way you can get out before your hearing (which the court will be in no hurry to schedule) will be by posting a cash bond for the total amount you owe. If you keep paying SOMETHING and keep in touch with everyone,you're likely be okay.