In a previous post, we discussed whether Ohio will consider different tactics to collect unpaid child support. A number of parents in Ohio have either missed child support payments or have only paid a small percentage of the amount due each month.

But now Ohio is making a change in the way that the state enforces child support agreements. This change could keep delinquent parents out of jail and keep driving privileges intact. In the past, penalties had included driver's license suspension, professional license suspension, and even jail time.

It appears that state officials began to question whether the previous tactics were effective at collecting unpaid child support and encouraging parents to make future payments. The Ohio Department of Corrections saw hundreds of parents jailed for missing payments. This year alone there have already been thousands of parents who have lost driving privileges, professional licenses, and even recreational licenses.

Now, starting next month, parents who can only pay half of the support amount each month will no longer have to fear a license suspension. Supporters of the change believe that taking someone's ability to drive away does not necessarily motivate payment, but only makes it more difficult for the parent to get to work to make money to pay child support.

In addition to reducing the number of license suspensions, the new sentencing reform would also provide an alternative to jail for those who default on payments. Instead of sentencing a parent to prison where they are unable to earn wages a judge can sentence them to probation or community service.

Only time will tell whether this tactic will actually increase overall payments and reduce the number of parents in default. But it is clear that the people who will suffer from failure to make payments are the children.

Source: Zanesville Times Recorder: "Ohio changes tactics in efforts to collect unpaid child support," Jessica Alaimo, Sept. 18, 2011