If you owe child support as a successful business owner or athlete, you could have a high net worth that results in significant obligations. Aside from potentially paying a considerable amount of child support each month, you could face challenges if you have difficulty staying current. Falling behind on child support could tarnish your reputation and lead to serious consequences. For example, you could lose your passport privileges.
Without a passport, you might have to miss out on business meetings, major events and other important responsibilities that you have overseas.
Child support and your passport
The Administration for Children and Families goes over passport denial due to unpaid child support. The ACF states that if your arrears exceed $2,500, you lose your ability to successfully apply for a passport in the U.S. If you attempt to apply for a passport or use passport services, the State Department will deny your request if they have a record of you owing over $2,500 in back child support.
In order to restore your privileges, you have to make payment arrangements with the state. However, it can take time for the government to remove your name from their list and you are not automatically taken out of the program if your arrears drop under $2,500.
Addressing and preventing child support problems
If you owe arrears, it is crucial to pay back support as soon as you can. Setting up a payment plan or making adjustments to your budget could help. Moreover, you should try to do everything in your power to stay current if you worry about your ability to keep paying support on time. For example, modifying your child support order could help you safeguard your passport privileges and avoid other consequences.