What can happen if I don't pay child support in the USA?

Co-parenting issues Forum
1

Hey everyone, so I’m facing a situation where my wife has taken the default order of child custody in Maryland, and I’m living in India. The problem is that I’m not in a position to pay child support. I’m just wondering what can happen if I don’t pay? I don’t know much about how this works internationally, so any info would be helpful.

2

Hey, I’m sorry you’re going through this. From what I know, since you’re in India, the order isn’t enforceable against you there. But, if you travel to the US or have assets there, they could be seized to cover the past due child support.

3

@Breck
I didn’t know they could seize assets like that. That sounds intense.

4

SophyGenesis said:
@Breck
I didn’t know they could seize assets like that. That sounds intense.

Yeah, it’s kinda scary. I didn’t realize how complicated this could get until now.

5

@Breck
Sounds like it could be tough. If you haven’t been properly served the papers for the case, there may be a way to challenge the order though.

6

I think you might want to look into whether you can get that default order set aside. If you didn’t get the court papers, that could be a reason the judgment might not stick.

7

rej said:
I think you might want to look into whether you can get that default order set aside. If you didn’t get the court papers, that could be a reason the judgment might not stick.

That sounds like something worth looking into. Do you think I could do that without a lawyer?

8

@Masitsa
You could try, but it’s probably best to get some legal help. Maybe there’s a way to do it without high fees though.

9

If she filed litigation in India first, that could be important. The US court might not have known about it, so that could be something to bring up.

10

Bonnie said:
If she filed litigation in India first, that could be important. The US court might not have known about it, so that could be something to bring up.

Yeah, she did. It’s a bit of a mess now, but maybe that can help me somehow?

11

There are some pro bono or low-fee lawyers out there, but it might be tricky to find one. Have you tried any legal aid offices in the USA?

12

Quinlan said:
There are some pro bono or low-fee lawyers out there, but it might be tricky to find one. Have you tried any legal aid offices in the USA?

I tried, but I couldn’t find anything. Seems like the options are pretty limited for this type of case.

13

I think you might need to represent yourself if you can’t find a lawyer. Or try finding a local lawyer who deals with international issues.

14

Whitney said:
I think you might need to represent yourself if you can’t find a lawyer. Or try finding a local lawyer who deals with international issues.

I guess that’s the only option left. Not sure I have the resources for a lawyer, though.