Multiple sheriffs’ departments throughout Texas have made it clear that they are pursuing those who have unpaid child support. Not long ago, a roundup of those found to be in contempt of court for failure to pay child support occurred in several counties. In total, 24 people were arrested from three different counties. As authorities continue their sweep throughout Texas, more child support violators are expected to be arrested.
Texas began preparing to collect overdue child support late last month, as they generally do every year. The effort, which was sponsored by the Texas Attorney General’s Child Support Division, had its investigators working directly with sheriff’s deputies and officers of the various counties. Since then, 34 people from three counties have been arrested. According to state records from the 2011 fiscal year, the Office of the Attorney General collected over $3 billion in child support payments.
In the case of Texas sheriffs, it’s not just a matter of finding those who violate child support court orders, but rather to make sure that the children will be supported by their parents. By providing child support, parents help their children be able to afford the necessities that their children need in life while giving them the chance to thrive. While officials would rather have those who owe child support pay it in a court-approved fashion, they are happy to be able to stand up for the welfare of children in this fashion, when needed.
Those who are detained for failure to pay child support can expect that they may be arrested and face up to six months in jail. However, if they post cash bonds, they may be released early from jail. The money collected by bonds is paid back to the custodial parents and children who are owed child support.
For those who are in Texas and are struggling to obtain child support that is delinquent, this should come as welcome news. At the same time, when a parent responsible for paying support recognizes that an unexpected change in their financial situation will preclude them from meeting their monthly obligations, then they should consider seeking a modification. In this way, it is hoped that the child may be able to live in the best possible circumstances by being supported by both parents in a fair manner.
Source: Longview News-Journal, “Child support violators rounded up in Gregg County,” Peggy Jones, March 28, 2012