Failure to pay child support and driver’s license revocation

On Behalf of | Aug 22, 2023 | Collaborative Law |

Child support is an important responsibility that some noncustodial parents have to ensure the well-being of their children. These court-ordered financial obligations help with the costs of raising a child, covering expenses such as food, clothing, education and healthcare.

When a parent fails to meet this obligation, they might face serious consequences, including the revocation of their driver’s license.

Losing a license over unpaid child support

Driver’s license revocation means that a parent loses the ability to drive legally. This can have a significant impact on their daily life, making it difficult to commute to work, run errands or take care of other responsibilities. It is a serious consequence that serves as a strong incentive for parents to stay current on child support.

The New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services states that on top of the revocation, denial or suspension of a driver’s license, noncustodial parents who owe back child support can also lose their occupational and sporting licenses.

Paying child support to reinstate a driver’s license

If a parent’s driver’s license becomes revoked due to failure to pay child support, there are steps they can take to reinstate it. They have to make arrangements to pay the overdue child support and any associated fees. After paying arrears, they can apply to have their driver’s license reinstated.

If someone cannot meet their current child support obligations, they can petition the court for a modification to reduce the amount they owe based on their current financial circumstances. This will help them avoid falling behind and losing their driving privileges.