As a parent, you need to carefully work through the divorce process, especially when it comes to legal issues involving children, such as child support and visitation. Moreover, you have to understand your rights and options if challenges arise after the divorce is complete, whether your ex refuses to let you see your child in accordance with a court order or you struggle to pay child support.
Family law issues that involve kids are often very emotional, but they can also bring up serious financial concerns and even the possibility of time behind bars, among other consequences.
Does child support affect visitation rights?
The Texas Attorney General states that child support and visitation are separate legal matters. Parents have to fulfill their obligations with respect to child support payments and visitation, regardless of the other party’s compliance with the terms of a court order. Therefore, parents who fall behind on child support still have the legal right to visit their child in accordance with a court order. Likewise, parents denied their visitation rights must continue to make child support payments regardless.
Can parents face contempt of court charges?
If a parent fails to pay the child support they owe or allow the other party to spend time with their child according to the terms of a court order, they could face contempt of court charges. These charges sometimes result in time behind bars, and parents can face other serious penalties for violating court orders.
If your child’s other parent is refusing to abide by the terms of a court order, you need to carefully look into your options.