You have been having a tough time lately so you’re behind in your child support payments. Now you have received notice that the Court is suspending your driver’s license.
Illinois law permits a Court to suspend your driver’s license if you are delinquent 90 or more days in your child support and have been found in contempt of court. (625 ILCS 5/7-702.)
A change in the law allows the Court to suspend your license for visitation abuse. See related blog:
New Illinois Law Permits Court to Take Your Driver's License for Visitation Abuse at http://childcustodylawyerchicagoil.blogspot.com/2012/07/new-illinois-law-permits-court-to-take.html.
Allowing a Court to suspend your license is part of the State’s financial responsibility law. The State has long attempted to insure responsibility by requiring drivers to obtain car insurance or pay a bond in the event of an accident.
Once suspended, you can only get back your license after the Secretary of State receives documentation that you paid your child support. Even if your license is suspended, you may qualify for a family responsibility driving permit allowing you to go to work, look for a job or obtain medical care for yourself or someone in your household.
Before your license can be suspended, the Secretary of State must send you notice that your license will be suspended in 60 days unless you bring your child support up to date. You do have the right to request a hearing before the Secretary of State to contest the suspension before the suspension takes effect.
If you receive notice that your license may be suspended, contact an experienced family law attorney immediately. An attorney can help determine if you have grounds to contest the suspension or if you qualify to modify your original child support order.
If you have questions about this or another domestic relations matter, please contact Zachary W. Williams at 1-312-981-0851 or email zwwlawyer@gmail.com.
