Child support payments are necessary in Greensboro and elsewhere so that children can be adequately provided for. When those payments aren't made, children can suffer.

Although some may not feel that it is a big deal to skip child support payments, it can land people in trouble with the law. That was the case for one father who now owes more than $200,000 for missing child support payments.

The father in this case had previously lived in Illinois, but moved to New Zealand where he has been a practicing physician at a medical center there. The man's former wife and four children now live in Iowa.

The father had not been making child support payments. Recently, he was given five years probation, and has been ordered to pay $209,000 to the Iowa Child Support Recovery unit for failing to pay his former wife.

In addition, the man must surrender his U.S. passport. He must also begin making child support payments to his former wife for the two children that remain living with her.

Although the man may have thought that escaping to New Zealand would prevent him from having to pay child support, he was clearly wrong. When non-custodial parents fail to make necessary child support payments, they must face the consequences.

In a case like this, the people that suffered the most were the man's four children. Although divorced couples may have anger towards their former spouse, they must consider their children first and foremost. Every parent wants what is best for their children, but without sufficient funds, it is difficult for a single parent to provide them with the best life possible.

Source: Rockford Register Star, "Former Illinois man ordered to pay $209K in support," Jan. 19, 2012