Can my driver's license be suspended for failing to pay child support?

Question

Can my driver's license be suspended for failing to pay child support?

Answer

There are numerous consequences for individuals who decide that they do not want adhere to child support orders. For those people who are drivers, the list grows to include suspension of driving privileges.

In regards to drivers license suspension and failure to play child support, parents violating child support orders present a major problem across the nation. In reference to the "Deadbeats Don't Drive" law, Illinois Secretary of State, Jesse White said, "This problem touches us all; child support non-payment is the biggest reason that single parents turn to welfare."

Illinois is far from the only state that will snatch away driving privileges for child support arrearages. The logic behind these laws is that they threaten to take away something desirable, and in many cases essential, when individuals do not live up to their financial and social obligations. These laws have been found to keep many parents compliant.

These laws are not meant to nick pick. For example, a person's driver's license is not suspended if he makes a payment on Monday morning instead of Friday night. On the contrary, states set limits before a person qualifies for suspension of driving privileges. In Illinois, for example, a person must be three months behind before this consequence is applicable.

If you lost your driver's license due to child support arrearage or you are at risk of losing it for this reason, you should contact a lawyer. It is often possible to file a motion against suspension or to petition to have your privileges reinstated.

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