Ask Me Help Desk - Reading the Federal law

United States Code Title 18, Section 228

(a) Offense. - Any person who -

(1) willfully fails to pay a support obligation with respect to a child who resides in another State, if such obligation has remained unpaid for a period longer than 1 year, or is greater than $5,000;

(2) travels in interstate or foreign commerce with the intent to evade a support obligation, if such obligation has remained unpaid for a period longer than 1 year, or is greater than $5,000; or

(3) willfully fails to pay a support obligation with respect to a child who resides in another State, if such obligation has remained unpaid for a period longer than 2 years, or is greater than $10,000;

I cannot understand the first article... Is it OK to fail to pay if you live in the same state as the child:confused: :confused: :D :D

Good guidelines but except "another state" part.

An interesting observation, GV70, which illustrates that federal law must transcend individual state boundaries or risk constitutional challenge.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GV70

United States Code Title 18, Section 228

(a) Offense. - Any person who -

(1) willfully fails to pay a support obligation with respect to a child who resides in another State, if such obligation has remained unpaid for a period longer than 1 year, or is greater than $5,000;

(2) travels in interstate or foreign commerce with the intent to evade a support obligation, if such obligation has remained unpaid for a period longer than 1 year, or is greater than $5,000; or

(3) willfully fails to pay a support obligation with respect to a child who resides in another State, if such obligation has remained unpaid for a period longer than 2 years, or is greater than $10,000;

I cannot understand the first article...Is it OK to fail to pay if you live in the same state as the child:confused: :confused: :D :D

good guidelines but except "another state" part.

George is right. The basis of this in not to interrupt a states law but to proclaim federal law as it leads to protection of the child. In many states federal law is used as a guideline for CS. In many situations a crime becomes federal if you cross state lines.