Ann E. Grant’s The Divorce Hacker’s Guide to Untying the Knot offers valuable insights on navigating spousal and child support post-divorce. One key takeaway is understanding how to collect court-ordered support, especially when wage garnishment may not be effective.
While courts often order wage assignments (garnishments) for support payments, these can be challenging to enforce if the former spouse is self-employed or frequently changes jobs. In such cases, collecting support can become difficult. For those with child support orders, involving the Local Child Support Agency (LCSA) can be a powerful tool. The LCSA has the authority to take measures like seizing tax refunds, freezing bank accounts, and suspending both driver’s and professional licenses.
If a parent is late or fails to pay child support, the LCSA can take several actions:
- Credit Reporting: Late payments can negatively impact the non-paying parent’s credit rating.
- Passport Denial: Owing more than $2,500 in back child support will result in the U.S. State Department denying passport issuance or renewal until payments are up to date.
- Property Liens: The LCSA can file liens against real property, such as houses or land, to secure overdue payments.
The book concludes with some profound advice that resonates beyond the realm of divorce: “Be Better, Not Bitter.” Grant emphasizes the importance of not blaming your ex for your current situation and letting go of resentment. Holding onto grudges is like “drinking rat poison and then waiting for the rat to die.”
Moving forward with your life is essential—whether that means focusing on your physical health, mental well-being, skill development, or financial growth. This “Be Better, Not Bitter” mantra applies to many facets of life, making it a valuable piece of wisdom for anyone facing challenges.