Child Support Enforcement in Missouri

[stephanie1974]

I am posting this for my sister

She has a son 14 yrs old. His father has been court ordered to pay support. The problem is he doesn't pay a dime and here is where it gets even worse. He lives in the same town that he has lived in since he was a child so the whole town knows him. Its a very small town, he lives directly across the street from the police dept. He owes back support of well over 4000.00. Weve been told that anything over 2000.00 in back support is grounds for a class D felony warrant in Missouri. So why the heck isnt this man sitting in jail or something. I dont understand why CSE isnt enforcing this order. My sister is complient with CSE but yet he lives across the street from the police dept and lives his financially stable life. He is not by far a poor man, he just simply doesn't want to support his child.
What steps should she take at this point.

Thanks in advance

[Neal1421]

Has she filed for contempt for non-payment?

[stephanie1974]

I know my sister hasn't done so. She does not have an attorney she cant afford one. Howevr, is that something the CSE caseworker can do? Or should I say should have already done when the past due amount went beyound the amount the state allows before it becomes a felony?

Thank you
.

[Xena]

I know my sister hasn't done so. She does not have an attorney she cant afford one. Howevr, is that something the CSE caseworker can do? Or should I say should have already done when the past due amount went beyound the amount the state allows before it becomes a felony?

Thank you
.

Yes, the CSE caseworker should have already taken steps to enforce the order. Usually the first step is a letter informing the NCP of the arrears, then the CSE agency can suspend a DL or professional licenses. Then, if none of those steps produce payment, the CSE agency can file for contempt.
Your sister will need to keep contacting her caseworker. It helps to follow up phone calls with a letter. This is a situation where the old adage is true- the squeaky wheel gets the grease. Your sister will need to be the squeaky wheel.