Child support is a legal obligation that parents have to financially support their children. Unfortunately, some parents fail to fulfill this responsibility, which can lead to various consequences. One such consequence is the suspension of driver’s licenses and professional licenses.

Parents should understand when unpaid child support can lead to a suspension and the impact this can have on their lives.

Driver’s license suspension

The suspension of a driver’s license can significantly impact a parent’s daily life. Without a valid driver’s license, it can become hard to run errands and get to work or school. This restriction can lead to job loss, reduced income and difficulty in maintaining family relationships. Moreover, the inability to drive may result in increased transportation expenses or reliance on public transportation, further straining one’s finances.

The Department of Human Services states that when parents do not comply with a child support order for 60 days or longer, they could lose their driving privileges. After 120 days of non-compliance, a parent could also lose their professional license.

Professional license suspension

In some cases, unpaid child support can also lead to the suspension of professional licenses. Professionals need licenses in various fields such as medicine, law, engineering and more. When a professional license becomes suspended, people cannot practice their chosen profession until they meet their child support obligations. This can lead to job loss, damage to professional reputation and financial instability.

Those struggling to make child support payments should take steps to address the issue, such as modifying the support order or seeking help in financial management. By taking responsibility and resolving the situation, parents can avoid license suspension and other severe consequences.