How Much Back Child Support is a Felony in Georgia?
In Georgia, child support is a critical aspect of ensuring that children receive the financial support they need to thrive. When a parent fails to pay child support, it can have severe consequences for the child and the other parent. In some cases, the failure to pay child support can even lead to criminal charges. But how much back child support is a felony in Georgia?
What is the Statute of Limitations for Child Support in Georgia?
Before we dive into the specifics of how much back child support is a felony in Georgia, it’s essential to understand the statute of limitations for child support in the state. In Georgia, the statute of limitations for child support is 20 years. This means that the state can pursue child support payments for up to 20 years after the original child support order was issued.
How Much Back Child Support is a Felony in Georgia?
According to Georgia Code § 19-6-15, a parent who fails to pay child support can be charged with a felony if they owe $5,000 or more in back child support. This means that if a parent owes $5,000 or more in child support payments, they can be charged with a felony and face serious consequences, including imprisonment.
What are the Consequences of Failing to Pay Child Support in Georgia?
Failing to pay child support in Georgia can have severe consequences, including:
- Felony charges: As mentioned earlier, failing to pay child support can lead to felony charges if the amount owed is $5,000 or more.
- Imprisonment: If convicted of a felony, a parent can face imprisonment for up to 10 years.
- Fines: In addition to imprisonment, a parent can also face fines of up to $10,000.
- Loss of Driver’s License: Failing to pay child support can also result in the suspension of a parent’s driver’s license.
- Tax Refund Offset: The state can also offset a parent’s tax refund to collect unpaid child support.
What are the Consequences of Being Indicted for Failing to Pay Child Support in Georgia?
If a parent is indicted for failing to pay child support in Georgia, they can face serious consequences, including:
- Loss of Voting Rights: A parent who is indicted for failing to pay child support can lose their right to vote.
- Loss of Professional Licenses: A parent who is indicted for failing to pay child support can also lose their professional licenses.
- Difficulty Finding Employment: A parent who is indicted for failing to pay child support can also have difficulty finding employment.
How Can a Parent Avoid Being Charged with Failing to Pay Child Support in Georgia?
If a parent is struggling to pay child support, there are several steps they can take to avoid being charged with failing to pay child support in Georgia, including:
- Communicate with the Other Parent: Communication is key when it comes to child support. If a parent is struggling to pay child support, they should communicate with the other parent to come up with a plan to catch up on payments.
- Modify the Child Support Order: If a parent’s financial situation has changed, they may be able to modify the child support order to make payments more manageable.
- Seek Legal Advice: A parent who is struggling to pay child support should seek legal advice to understand their options and avoid being charged with failing to pay child support.
Conclusion
In conclusion, failing to pay child support in Georgia can have severe consequences, including felony charges and imprisonment. If a parent owes $5,000 or more in back child support, they can be charged with a felony and face serious consequences. However, there are steps a parent can take to avoid being charged with failing to pay child support, including communicating with the other parent, modifying the child support order, and seeking legal advice.
Table: Consequences of Failing to Pay Child Support in Georgia
| Consequence | Description |
|---|---|
| Felony Charges | Failing to pay child support can lead to felony charges if the amount owed is $5,000 or more. |
| Imprisonment | If convicted of a felony, a parent can face imprisonment for up to 10 years. |
| Fines | In addition to imprisonment, a parent can also face fines of up to $10,000. |
| Loss of Driver’s License | Failing to pay child support can also result in the suspension of a parent’s driver’s license. |
| Tax Refund Offset | The state can also offset a parent’s tax refund to collect unpaid child support. |
Bullets: Consequences of Being Indicted for Failing to Pay Child Support in Georgia
• Loss of Voting Rights
• Loss of Professional Licenses
• Difficulty Finding Employment
