Federal officials have begun revoking U.S. passports of parents who owe $15,000 or more in past-due child support, effective October 5, according to the San Juan Daily Star. This marks the sixth reduction in the threshold since May, when the State Department started proactively revoking passports for parents owing $100,000 or more, as reported by PBS NewsHour. The underlying 1996 federal law applies to anyone owing more than $2,500, and officials have indicated enforcement will continue to expand toward that level.
The implications are significant for parents in Rockland County and across New York. Kantrowitz, Goldhamer, Graifman, Perlmutter & Carballo, P.C. notes that the shift leaves far more parents exposed, including those who travel abroad for work or to visit family. The firm’s child support lawyer in New City, NY represents parents on all sides of support orders, from initial calculations through modification and enforcement.
Parents should be aware of several key points before arrears grow. First, missed payments cannot be erased later. Under New York Family Court Act § 451, a court cannot reduce support that accrued before a parent filed a petition to modify the order. A parent who lost a job last year and never filed still owes every payment missed since. Second, a change in circumstances may justify a new order. New York generally allows a modification after a substantial change in circumstances, after three years have passed, or when either parent’s income has changed by 15% or more. Third, paying the balance does not restore travel right away. Once arrears are resolved, a parent must apply for a new passport after payment is confirmed, so trips planned on short notice may be lost.
“Most parents who fall behind on child support aren’t trying to dodge it. They lost income and assumed the order would adjust on its own,” said Paul Goldhamer, founding partner of the firm. “It’s important to understand that the order stands until a court changes it, so the time to act is as soon as your finances change.”
The firm, founded in 1975 by Walter L. Kantrowitz and Paul Goldhamer, has represented individuals, families, and businesses throughout New York and New Jersey for over 50 years. Goldhamer has spent four decades focused on matrimonial law, guiding clients through divorce, child support, custody, alimony, and property settlement. The firm also handles personal injury, national class action, employment, estate, and commercial real estate matters. Evening and weekend consultations are available by appointment.
As enforcement widens, parents with support questions are advised to seek legal guidance promptly to avoid losing their passports and facing travel disruptions. The firm can be reached for assistance.
