People may run into all sorts of issues when they fall behind on child support payments, from financial penalties and a damaged reputation to the threat of arrest. However, some people do not realize that falling behind on child support can affect their lives in many other ways as well. For example, those with back child support may not be able to leave the country, which can be especially upsetting for someone who has been looking forward to a trip for business or leisurely purposes.
According to information presented by the U.S. Department of State, those who owe over $2,500 in unpaid child support are not eligible to receive a passport in the U.S. People in this position are advised to pay arrears prior to applying for their passport. Furthermore, you should keep in mind that it can take weeks for your application to be approved even after you have set up a payment plan. For some people, such as those who were planning on leaving the country on a particular date due to a business event or a wedding, this can be especially difficult.
If you are planning on traveling or simply do not want to find yourself unable to apply for a passport, this is another reason to do your best to stay current. There may be various reasons why someone has been having a hard time paying child support, from an injury to being laid off, but child support modification may be an ideal option. Remember that this post is not an alternative to legal help.