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Unpaid child support and passport privileges

On Behalf of | Apr 19, 2024 | Family Law

Child support is a vital financial responsibility that parents must fulfill to ensure the well-being of their children. When a parent fails to meet their child support obligations, it can have serious consequences. For example, it can lead to the loss of passport privileges.

It is important for parents to understand how missing child support payments can lead to the loss of a passport and the implications of such actions.

Passport denial and revocation

When a parent falls behind on child support payments or fails to make them altogether, it can have a significant impact on the child’s quality of life. It can also affect the parent. According to the Department of State, once a parent owes more than $2,500 in child support payments, their passport can be denied or revoked.

The revocation of a passport due to unpaid child support can have far-reaching implications for the non-compliant parent. Without a valid passport, the individual may be unable to travel internationally for work, leisure or family reasons. This restriction can hinder their ability to pursue career opportunities abroad. They may miss important family events and lose the ability to enjoy vacations with loved ones.

Other concerns

In addition to the personal inconveniences caused by the loss of passport privileges, the inability to travel internationally can also impact a parent’s relationship with their child. If a parent living abroad is unable to visit their child in the United States due to passport revocation, it can strain their bond and hinder their ability to maintain a meaningful presence in their child’s life.

It is essential for parents to prioritize their child support obligations and fulfill them in a timely manner to avoid the risk of losing their passport privileges. By understanding the link between child support compliance and passport status, parents can take the necessary steps to meet their obligations and safeguard their ability to travel internationally.