As many Minnesota residents are aware, many are experiencing financial hardships in these tough economic times. Whether due to unemployment or medical expenses, many are having trouble meeting their financial obligations. Such hardships may contribute to non-custodial parents having difficulty paying child support.

In unpaid child support cases, the custodial parent is entitled to pursue whatever means possible to collect the payments. However, a non-paying, non-custodial parent may be in a situation where they want to pay, but are simply unable to make the required payments. That may be the case for one man who was recently caught trying to enter Mexico.

The man is a former doctor who worked on the Gulf Coast for more than 30 years before he disappeared in 2006. At the time, an arrest warrant had been issued against him for unpaid child support. He allegedly owes thousands of dollars in child support.

The man was taken into custody in December, and was turned over by Mexican immigration officials to the United States. He has pled guilty, but remains in custody. He will face a judge in February.

This case demonstrates the length that authorities will go to in order to collect child support. Minnesota residents having trouble meeting their obligations should thus consider seeking out legal assistance. It may be possible to seek a modification of the monthly payments to make them easier to pay. Likewise, a custodial parent attempting to collect the required payments may wish to seek the assistance of the judicial system.

Source: Sunherald, "Former Coast doctor held on child-support charge," Robin Fitzgerald, Dec. 27, 2011