Unpaid child support can create serious problems for custodial parents and non-custodial parents as well. In Boston, and cities all around Massachusetts, many parents have fallen behind on their child support payments. Unfortunately, this can generate a variety of problems, from the threat of arrest to tax refund interception and wage garnishment. Moreover, custodial parents may have difficulties as well, whether they cannot afford school supplies or the cost of clothes.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, over half of the parents who were owed child support in 2013 did not receive full payments. In fact, only 45 percent received full payments while 74 percent received partial or full payments during the same year. However, those who did not receive any child support payments, or who were not paid in full, accounted for a large number of custodial parents owed child support. In 2013, $32.9 billion worth of child support was owed, but only 68 percent was received.

Although there are many factors that can play a role in child support delinquency, from job loss to relocation and medical crises, the potential consequences remain severe. If you have found yourself in a position where you can no longer make payments, you should not feel hopeless or give up. Instead, you may want to look into some of your options, whether you are able to successfully modify your child support order or establish a payment plan to help you get back on track. By addressing unpaid child support, those struggling due to missed payments may feel a sense of relief.