Child support fraud is rampant and has been for decades. It has become a multi-billion dollar industry with lawyers, judges, accountants, and of course, parents getting their hands on the money. The fact is, our tax system allows parents to get away with child support fraud while creating a black market for the stuff.
In fact, as many as 50% of all parents who owe child support get away with not paying what they owe. No wonder that the US Department of Justice estimated in 2017 that, out of the billions of dollars owed, over $3 billion was owed and not paid.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re in a child support battle with a parent who is not paying the right amount and you are a victim of fraud.
How to Avoid Child Support Fraud
Before we get into the potential fraud involved, let’s first note some facts:
Each state in the U.S. has a different child support system
Each state handles child support fraud a bit differently
If you are dealing with a child support fraud scam, the state you are in could be responsible
You need to get help
If you are fighting a child support case and you are not getting paid, it’s time to step up and do something. Don’t let this person take advantage of your situation.
The first step is to make sure that you are working with a qualified Houston child support lawyer. Don’t go to the first lawyer you find. You need to be dealing with a team of experts, not one person who will tell you I’m the lawyer, and walk out of the room.
Child Support Attorney
Child support lawyers are the people who will deal with the court, understand the tax laws, and understand how the system works. They are the people who can help you solve this problem.
Without a lawyer, there’s a good chance you will lose.
So, if you’re in a child support battle, you have to make sure you are dealing with a qualified child support lawyer.
Read and follow the rules
If you are dealing with child support fraud, you’ll have to pay closer attention to what is going on.
First of all, you’re probably going to have to pay more than you might think. That’s because child support fraud is a multi-billion dollar industry.
Some states take a more reasonable approach to child support. They’ll take the mother’s income and find the average amount of income that all mothers have in that state.