Multi-State Non-Support Defense Law Firm
Failing to pay court-ordered child support can have serious consequences. While many child support matters are handled in court through enforcement actions, contempt proceedings, or modifications, some cases become criminal prosecutions. When that happens, it is important to have attorneys who understand both the criminal allegations and the underlying child support issues.
At Stange Law Firm, PC, domestic relations is what we do. Because our attorneys routinely represent clients in child support establishment, modification, enforcement, and contempt proceedings, we are uniquely positioned to handle criminal non-support matters as well. Rather than referring these cases to another firm, we are able to provide representation from attorneys who understand how the family court and criminal court issues often intersect.
What Is Criminal Non-Support?
Every state has laws that may make it a crime to knowingly fail to provide court-ordered financial support for a child under certain circumstances. Criminal non-support charges are generally reserved for situations where prosecutors believe that a parent had the ability to pay support but intentionally failed to do so.
Unlike a civil contempt action, which is designed to encourage compliance with a child support order, a criminal prosecution can result in criminal penalties, including fines, probation, or even incarceration if there is a conviction.
Because the consequences can be significant, it is important to take any criminal non-support investigation or charge seriously.
Criminal Non-Support Is Different Than a Child Support Modification
Many parents experience legitimate financial hardships. Job loss, illness, disability, or other life changes can make it difficult or impossible to continue paying child support at the same level.
Unfortunately, falling behind on child support does not automatically change an existing court order. Until a court modifies the support obligation, the ordered amount generally continues to accrue.
If your financial circumstances changed, it may be important to examine whether a child support modification should have been sought or whether one should be pursued going forward. These issues can be highly relevant to both the underlying family law matter and any criminal allegations.
Our Family Law Experience Matters
Criminal non-support cases often require a thorough understanding of:
- Child support calculations
- Child support modifications
- Enforcement proceedings
- Contempt actions
- Income and earning capacity
- Employment history
- Medical conditions affecting the ability to work
- Payment records and arrearage calculations
These are issues our attorneys regularly address in domestic relations matters.
Because we already represent clients in child support litigation, we understand how support orders are created, modified, enforced, and interpreted. That experience can be valuable when defending allegations involving criminal non-support.
Every Case Is Different
Not every unpaid child support case results in criminal charges, and not every criminal non-support case involves the same facts.
Important issues may include:
- Whether the accused had the financial ability to pay
- Whether payments were made but not properly credited
- Whether employment circumstances changed
- Whether there was a pending or potential modification
- Whether the support order was properly entered
- Whether the alleged arrearage amount is accurate
A careful review of the facts, court records, payment history, and applicable law is essential.
Coordinating the Family Law and Criminal Matters
One advantage of working with a firm focused on domestic law is that we understand how the criminal case may affect the underlying child support matter and vice versa.
In many situations, clients have ongoing issues involving:
- Child support modifications
- Contempt proceedings
- Parenting time
- Custody
- Paternity
- Other post-decree matters
Our attorneys understand how these cases can overlap and work to develop a strategy that considers the broader family law issues involved.
Why Choose Stange Law Firm, PC?
Stange Law Firm, PC is dedicated exclusively to domestic relations matters. Because child support is a significant part of our practice, representing clients charged with criminal non-support is a natural extension of the work we already perform every day.
Our attorneys understand the financial, legal, and personal issues that often lead to these cases. We work to provide clients with knowledgeable representation while helping them navigate both the criminal proceedings and any related court matters.
Contact Stange Law Firm, PC
If you have been charged with criminal non-support or are under investigation for allegedly failing to pay court-ordered child support, it is important to seek legal representation as soon as possible.
Stange Law Firm, PC represents clients in child support matters, including child support issues and criminal non-support cases. Our attorneys can evaluate your situation, explain your legal options, and help you determine the best path forward.
Contact Stange Law Firm, PC today to schedule a confidential consultation.
