Illinois Child Support Laws Have Teeth Says Chicago Bankruptcy Lawyer Richard Fonfrias

In a recent article added to the Fonfrias Law Group website, top Chicago bankruptcy lawyer and financial rescue specialist Richard Fonfrias explains the consequences of failing to make child support payments under Illinois' child support laws.

/EINPresswire.com/ -- CHICAGO, ILLINOIS -- (Marketwired) -- 02/01/16 -- To assist people in financial trouble and provide helpful information on a broad range of legal issues, Chicago bankruptcy attorney Richard G. Fonfrias, J.D., managing partner of the Fonfrias Law Group, LLC, has published dozens of informative articles on his Chicago law practice's website (www.chicagomoneylawyer.com). In his latest article, Illinois Child Support Laws Have Teeth; Here's What Happens to the Parent Who Doesn't Pay, Fonfrias explains what the repercussion are for a parent who fails to make child support payments.

When a marriage breaks up, both parents are still responsible for the care and support of their children, regardless of who has custody. Under Illinois law, the non-custodial parent must contribute to the cost of raising his or her child, and is legally obliged to pay the parent who has custody. While most non-custodial parents endeavor to make their child support payments each month, there are some who don't, either because they refuse to pay, or because they just don't have the money. According to Richard Fonfrias, when a parent fails to pay court-ordered child support in Illinois, the non-custodial parent can get help from the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services' Division of Child Support Services (DCSS).

"The DCSS has many ways it can collect outstanding support payments that can impact the delinquent parent's daily life and cause them embarrassment. The agency has the power to garnish wages, place liens on property, seize tax refunds, revoke licenses, and prosecute under the state's criminal laws. The first step that the DCSS takes to collect outstanding child support payments is to serve the non-compliant parent's employer with an Income Withholding for Support request. The employer must withhold money from the non-paying parent's paycheck until the past due amount has been paid. If the delinquent parent is not subject to withholding income, the DCSS may require that they post security or a bond to guarantee payment," says Fonfrias.

"If the DCSS is not successful in collecting outstanding child support payments by garnishing wages, they will begin the process of seizing funds. They can seize federal and state income tax refunds, bank accounts, and place liens on property. Also, the DCSS can revoke, suspend or deny the non-compliant parent's driver's license, U.S. passport, and professional, occupational or recreational licenses. Driving privileges can be suspended for 90 days or more under the Family Responsibility Act," continues Fonfrias.

"After the non-custodial parent falls more than six months behind in child support payments, or the amount owing exceeds $5,000, the DCSS may request criminal prosecution at the state or federal level. The parent may be fined, jailed, or both, with the amount of fines and length of jail time increasing with the amount of money owed. For example, a parent owing child support for six months or over $5,000 could be convicted of a Class A misdemeanor, and a parent who owes more than $20,000 in past-due support could be charged with a Class 4 felony and jailed for one to three years. As you can see, child support laws in Illinois have teeth, and there are serious consequences for those who do not live up to their parental obligations. My Chicago law office has assisted many families who need help with Illinois child support law, child custody issues and other areas of family law. Whether you are having trouble collecting child support payments from a delinquent spouse or you have fallen behind in child support payments, it is always best to speak to an experienced lawyer to better understand your rights," advises Fonfrias.

About Fonfrias Law Group: Chicago Money Lawyer Richard Fonfrias of the Fonfrias Law Group, LLC has built a solid reputation assisting people in financial distress solve their money problems. The Fonfrias Law Group's dedicated financial rescue and bankruptcy team offer a wide range of financial and legal services, including bankruptcy defense, tax defense, debt consolidation, bad credit repair, foreclosure defense, credit card debt management, loan and mortgage refinancing advice. Richard Fonfrias also provides legal services for business and family law services. Rich's Chicago law office has assisted many families who need help with Illinois child support law, child custody issues, and other areas of family law. For more information, please call 312-969-0730, or visit www.chicagomoneylawyer.com.

Contacts:
Richard G. Fonfrias, J.D.
Fonfrias Law Group, LLC
Phone: 312-969-0730
rich@chicagomoneylawyer.com
http://www.chicagomoneylawyer.com

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