A man was arrested earlier this month for delinquent child support payments when he got off of a plane from the Philippines after being deported from that country. Authorities say that the man was living in Thailand and taken into custody in the Philippines recently.
He apparently owed more than $1 million in child support, divided up among three children from two different marriages. Authorities say that the 50-year-old man had been delinquent for more than 10 years.
Leaving the country is no excuse for neglecting to pay child support, but many people believe they can skirt their responsibility by leaving the jurisdiction of the state where they owe child support. Unfortunately for them, many foreign governments cooperate with requests from United States law enforcement to help apprehend those who have violated the laws and attempted to flee.
This case serves as an important reminder to Minnesota residents who are obligated to pay child support that there are serious consequences for neglecting to make payments. It is also a good reminder for Minnesotans who are owed child support who should know that they have many remedies available to them if they are not receiving the support payments that they are entitled to.
Minnesota parents who are entitled to child support payments based on their divorce agreements should be receiving those payments on time each month. If they are not, it may be wise to contact a family law attorney to find out more about how they can fix the situation.
Source: The Associated Press, “Feds say NY man owes $1 million in child support” Dec. 18, 2012