Raising children is no easy task, so that's why so many Tennessee parents rely on monthly child support payments from their ex-spouse to ensure their kids have what they need. When parents fail to fulfill their responsibility to support their children, it puts a strain on the family. Those dealing with unpaid child support will be getting necessary assistance, if the Tennessee State Legislature passes a bill that was recently introduced.

State Representative Joe Pitts has taken up the cause of supporting families with unpaid child support. His proposed legislation would allow child support enforcement officials to "attach or place a lien on Criminal Injuries Compensation Funds" in order to recover delinquent support payments. The state already can place a lien on lottery winnings and income tax returns, in addition to being able to revoke driver's licenses for those who are severely behind on child support.

Pitts introduced this legislation in response to one of his constituents who is dealing with over $100,000 in unpaid child support. He had hoped that he could help without going as far as making a change to state law, but it quickly became apparent that this was a necessary move. If the bill has enough support, struggling families will have another way to capture the resources they need.

Unfortunately, many families are dealing with irresponsible parents. Though this legislation is not a definitive solution to the problem of chronically unpaid child support, it's a good step to help support families in need. It's unfair that parents and their children are forced to deal struggle with this issue, especially since divorce can be stressful without additional complications.

Source: Clarksville Online, "Joe Pitts files Legislation to help in the recovery of back Child Support," Feb. 4, 2012