Can I Go on a Cruise if I Owe Child Support?

By Michael Ferguson

As much as we all love to travel, certain legal issues can put a damper on our plans. One of the questions that often come up is whether or not an individual can go on a cruise if they owe child support. The answer to this question is not straightforward, and it depends on various factors.

What is Child Support?

Child support is a legal obligation requiring parents to provide financial assistance for their children’s living expenses, including food, shelter, clothing, education, and healthcare. Failure to pay child support can have severe consequences, including wage garnishment, fines, and even jail time.

Can You Go on a Cruise if You Owe Child Support?

If you owe child support payments, your passport application may be denied or revoked under the Passport Denial Program. This program authorizes the Department of State to deny or revoke the passports of individuals who owe more than $2,500 in past-due child support payments.

However, this does not necessarily mean that you cannot go on a cruise if you owe child support. Many cruise lines do not require passengers to present their passports unless they are traveling outside the United States. In such cases, you may still be able to board the ship without presenting your passport.

It’s essential to note that each cruise line has its own policies regarding passengers with delinquent child support payments. Some may deny boarding to individuals who owe any amount of back-child support payments. Others may allow passengers with outstanding payments as long as they have made arrangements with their local child support enforcement agency.

What Steps Can You Take?

If you plan on going on a cruise and owe child support payments, it’s crucial to take steps beforehand to avoid any issues during your trip:

Contact Your Local Child Support Enforcement Agency: Reach out to your local child support enforcement agency and make arrangements for payment before your trip. They may be able to work with you and offer a payment plan that fits your budget.

Check with the Cruise Line: Before booking your trip, check with the cruise line regarding their policies on passengers with delinquent child support payments. If they have specific requirements or restrictions, make sure you comply with them to avoid any issues during boarding.

Bring Documentation: If you owe child support payments but have made arrangements with your local child support enforcement agency, bring documentation of your payment plan or proof of payment. This will help prevent any misunderstandings or delays during boarding.

The Bottom Line

If you owe child support payments, it’s essential to take care of this obligation as soon as possible. While traveling on a cruise may still be possible, it’s best to clear up any outstanding payments beforehand to avoid any potential legal issues. Remember to communicate with your local child support enforcement agency and the cruise line before your trip and bring necessary documentation if applicable.

In Conclusion

Going on a cruise is an exciting way to travel and explore new destinations. However, it’s essential to take care of any legal obligations beforehand, such as outstanding child support payments. By communicating with the relevant agencies and checking in advance with the cruise line, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip without any legal complications.