To the dismay of many Wisconsin residents, there was only one lucky person holding all of the winning numbers when the Powerball jackpot reached a near-record $338 million in March. That man will not be the only beneficiary of the $211 million lump sum payout, however. Also benefitting will be the children to whom he owes $29,000 in past-due child support payments dating back to 2009. According to law enforcement officials, a warrant has been issued in connection with the unpaid support, and the amounts owed will be withheld from man’s Powerball winnings.
While very few people will win the lottery, state child support agencies have numerous tools at their disposal to collect child support. In Wisconsin, most support obligations – about 75 percent – are collected by withholding the amounts owed from the parent’s paycheck. This is accomplished by providing notice to the parent’s employer. Unemployment, workers’ compensation, pension and social security disability benefits also are subject to withholding for child support.
If a parent owes back child support, the amounts owed may be withheld from lottery winnings of at least $1,000 as in the case of the recent Powerball winner. Tax refunds and bank accounts also are subject to seizure to satisfy past-due child support obligations. The obligation to pay back child support does not end when the child reaches age 18; enforcement may continue for another 20 years if the obligation remains unsatisfied.
Because the consequences can be severe if a parent does not meet his or her child support obligations, it is advisable to seek professional help before one gets behind on the monthly payments. Child support modification may be possible if there has been a change in circumstances, such as the loss of a job. A qualified family law attorney could advise as to whether modification may be possible in a particular case.
Source: Yahoo! News, “Powerball jackpot winner owes $29,000 in child support – sheriff,” Dave Warner, March 28, 2013
