Child support issues; able to cruise?

[Peaceful]

Friends are booked to cruise this coming November on the Inspiration. He is on record as owing child support, although he has been paying, however not through the system. All payments are documented. He recently heard that men who are in arrears have not been able to board for a cruise. We are aware that you cannot owe more than $2500 and get a passport, but will they have a way of knowing legal status when you don't need a passport?

 

Before anyone tells me about the responsibility of a parent, please be assured that this is a legal issue, not a payment issue. His attorney is dealing with it now, but in case the issue has not been cleared legally by November, we want to find out if this is true to avoid embarrassment...the cruise is a surprise for his wife, and being escorted off the ship is not the surprise he wants to give her.

 

I googled and could not find an answer. Would suppose that if this is true, the notification would come somehow through Homeland Security checks. Ideas?

[Kurbanfan]

Not sure about cruising in general. But I do know they won't issue a passport if you owe back child support....

[Flip2cruise]

I would call and check with carnival..more than likely he would be able to board the ship if just using a BC and DL. He might run into an issue at the end of the cruise if his name pops up when HMS does a random check. I know if you have an outstanding warrant, they normally will let you board and detain you on your return.

 

You might also want to have his lawyer make an inquiry to find out. I would be sure to get a definitive answer before final payment is due.

[aggieastrosfan]

This is definitely a question you should address to Carnival, not a bunch of strangers on a message board...

[lady in tx]

I agree w/Aggie. Check w/Carnival and if they can't answer your question consult w/a atty.

[big_duck]

Two words, Law yer.

[qprrules]

IMHO........message boards are a great way to find info because one never knows when a Dr., a lawyer, a nurse or any other numerous professions for that matter, may be a member on a board! Having said that a second opine is always recommended;)

As far as your question(s) go.........generally, if the ex has not filed a petition for back/unpaid child support and no summons/warrant has been issued then your friend should be good to go and come! If your friend was at one point behind on the child support and had to appear before the court and was ORDERED to pay thru the court then your friend would be best to let the lawyer handle it. Your friend can always call and see if any warrants have been issued prior to leaving.

The thread about that guy getting nabbed for back/unpaid child suppport when he got off the ship, I believe, had alot more to it than the OP said or knew about the situation. I'm quite sure the ex in that situation found out about his little "fun" and informed the court who then issued the warrant for his arrest:D

Happy sailing!!!!!!!!

[Flip2cruise]

IMHO........message boards are a great way to find info because one never knows when a Dr., a lawyer, a nurse or any other numerous professions for that matter, may be a member on a board! Having said that a second opine is always recommended;)

 

 

 

 

Then you would have to trust that the person is actually " a Dr., a lawyer, a nurse or any other numerous professions"

Free advice can often end up costing quite a bit.

There are several lawyers on this board, yet most rarely give legal advice...there is a reson for that;)

[yogimax]

Ugh...

 

This is not the place to ask your questions

[Mrsg324]

Look on the gov website. It states there what the guidelines are that will stop someone from being able to get or keep a passport.

[NAMVET]

These type of things are what he is paying a lawyer for. Take his advice and get it in writing.

[vafamily5]

Perhaps he should have his attorney contact the Agency which he is suppose to be paying support through and submit receipts of proof of payment towards support. That may clear up the matter of arrears? If his ex has physical/legal custody she can prevent him (legally) from taking the children out of the country (unless it is in an Order which states that he can take the children out of the country for visitation). I think that he really needs to clear this up before he tries to leave. Perhaps an expedited hearing on the matter and have an order stating that he can take the children out of the country on a cruise (giving specific dates) will allieviate any problems.

[Peaceful]

Ugh...

 

This is not the place to ask your questions

 

Probably not for a definitive answer, but for general knowledge and experience, this is as good a place as any. Certainly I will give my friend the advice to get a real answer from his attorney, and to call Carnival. Just was curious if anyone had any first handed experience. The "child" in question is almost 19.

 

Thanks for those who took the time to read and answer. I did check the website for passports and that was pretty clear; no support, no passport.

[Flip2cruise]

Perhaps he should have his attorney contact the Agency which he is suppose to be paying support through and submit receipts of proof of payment towards support. That may clear up the matter of arrears? If his ex has physical/legal custody she can prevent him (legally) from taking the children out of the country (unless it is in an Order which states that he can take the children out of the country for visitation). I think that he really needs to clear this up before he tries to leave. Perhaps an expedited hearing on the matter and have an order stating that he can take the children out of the country on a cruise (giving specific dates) will allieviate any problems.

 

I dont believe he is trying to take the kids with him on the cruise.

[derf5585]

Federal Bilateral Child Support Agreements in Force

U.S. DoS International Child Support Enforcement

Child Support Enforcement Abroad (Circular)

from

http://travel.state.gov/family/services/support/support_582.html

[Peaceful]

Thanks, Derf. I think it's clear my friend needs to utilize his attorney before he makes his final payment on his cruise.

[colette5479]

On our Sovereign Of The Seas cruise in 2004, we were behind a man during debarkation that was detained and was told he was being held because of a child support issue. Since we did not go through customs when we were boarding, it was undetected.

 

We saw this happen so I would strongly suggest that he contact an attorney to get the matter cleared. He could be detained.

[Peaceful]

On our Sovereign Of The Seas cruise in 2004, we were behind a man during debarkation that was detained and was told he was being held because of a child support issue. Since we did not go through customs when we were boarding, it was undetected.

 

We saw this happen so I would strongly suggest that he contact an attorney to get the matter cleared. He could be detained.

 

Thanks Colette. That's exactly the kind of information that I hoped to get.

[patandal]

sorry......IMHO could care less if he gets onboard...pay through the courts as ordered or don't complain. Nobody who has child support arrears should be cruising anyway....

[Peaceful]

sorry......IMHO could care less if he gets onboard...pay through the courts as ordered or don't complain. Nobody who has child support arrears should be cruising anyway....

 

Another case of not reading completely and making a judgment without all the information. This gentleman is not in arrears. He has paid in full up to date. The payments were not through the "system", therefore appear to be unpaid. The mother of his child is not after him. His child is almost 19. He has an attorney. My question clearly was has anyone had experience on a cruise ship with not being allowed to board due to problems with child support (whether real or just technically real).

 

End of story.

[halos]

Another case of not reading completely and making a judgment without all the information. This gentleman is not in arrears. He has paid in full up to date. The payments were not through the "system", therefore appear to be unpaid. The mother of his child is not after him. His child is almost 19. He has an attorney. My question clearly was has anyone had experience on a cruise ship with not being allowed to board due to problems with child support (whether real or just technically real).

 

End of story.

 

:confused: This is why I wonder where your head is posting this question on a message board. You need professional advice/information and this is not the place to get it.

[wework2play]

I don't see a problem with the OP asking this question. The answer is: unless there's a warrant the friend will be fine. Homeland security will not flag him just due to back childsupport or debt. Just called Carnival. Took me all of 30 seconds.