I don't know if it is the same in every state but I do know that in Washington the child support is or can be taken from the paycheck if the non-custodial spouse responsible for child support (there are women who owe child support too) is working. At least it can be arranged that way- I know in the case I know about they had to write checks for child support to the ex. After some major problems and another trip to the courts he requested it be directly deducted from his paycheck.
With the person I know the child support takes a giant chunk out of his check. He ALSO pays for anything additional when needed (when he doesn't have to but does since the mother(s) aren't the greatest in the world). That leaves little for himself and his wife (he was previously married).
That method is a good means but what happens when the father/mother WAS doing well with the child support and is a decent person then loses their paycheck aka job. Is it fair to throw them in jail? I get that those who consistently avoids paying child support (have heard of at least one story where the father did make good money or at least some but blatantly refused to pay) should be the ones who ought to get some kind of punishment but for those who have no means of continuing through no fault of their own don't deserve it.
Hmm good point but wouldn't that also cause a huge backlog and huge sums if the person continues on a path where their paycheck (or lack thereof) is not enough to cover the stated amount? I would think that both parties should at least go back to court/negotiations (hmm that's not the word I wanted) to readjust the child support amount based on the income in question.
I definitely have learned quite a bit about child support etc in the last few years (from others- I have no children).
