Mother Lying to Get Child Support: Consequences and How to Prove

Is your child’s mother lying to get child support? It’s a scary thought, but it does happen. It is illegal for a mother to lie to obtain child support. In some cases, the consequences can be serious and far-reaching. It could result in criminal charges and financial penalties, but it could also have long-term implications on the relationship between parent and child.

In this blog post, I will discuss the potential consequences of lying about paternity or other information to get child support and how you can prove that a mother has lied. We hope this article helps those dealing with such issues gain clarity on their situation and take steps toward resolving any conflicts that may arise due to false claims.

mother lying to get child support

Mother Lying to Get Child Support: She Should Be Aware of 5 Risky Consequences


What happens when a parent lies to get child support?  Depending on the jurisdiction, a mother who lies to get child support may face criminal proceedings and civil penalties. In some cases, the father or third party can also file a lawsuit against the mother for fraud.

Below are five of the most common risks mothers should be aware of when attempting to get child support through false claims:

#1. It’s child support fraud:

Lying to get child support is considered perjury and is punishable under the law. Perjury is a  criminal offense, and those convicted may face imprisonment or a fine. 

One of the biggest consequences of mothers lying to get child support is that they may be accused of fraud. Depending on the severity and amount involved, this could land them in legal trouble. Fraud charges can include up to five years in prison for felony convictions and hefty fines and restitution payments.

The father or third party can file a civil lawsuit against the mother for fraud, seeking damages and restitution. If successful, the false claimant may be required to pay back any monies unlawfully obtained.

#2. Loss or reduction of child support payments:

Another consequence of mothers lying to get child support is that they may lose or have their child support payments reduced. This could be in the form of a complete loss or a reduction based on the amount the mother lied about.

If the mother is found guilty of fraud, this can lead to a court-ordered reduction or suspension of child support.

#3. Removal from public benefits:

If the mother is found guilty of lying to get child support, she may also be removed from public benefit programs such as Medicaid and food stamps. This is because these programs are designed for low-income individuals and families, which the mother no longer qualifies for if she makes more than she claims.

Also, the mother may be required to pay back any benefits she received while lying.

#4. Loss of visitation right:

Sometimes, a mother lying to get child support can result in losing visitation rights. This is because the mother has shown that she cannot be trusted and could potentially harm the child by withholding financial support.

In some cases, the mother may also be required to pay for any visitation costs, as well as court-ordered attorney fees and other legal costs associated with proving the mother’s lies.

#5. Damage to mother’s reputation:

Finally, a mother lying to get child support can damage her reputation and make it difficult for her to find future employment or housing opportunities. This is because potential employers and landlords may view mothers as untrustworthy and unreliable, which could make them hesitant to hire or rent to mothers.

In addition, the mother could also face public shaming or ridicule for her actions, which can further damage her reputation.

Mother Lying to Get Child Support: Consequences: How Can You Prove It?


There are several ways to prove your child’s mother is lying about her income to get child support. Here are some tips on how you can do this:

#1. Request her bank records:

One way to prove your ex is lying about her income is to request her bank records. This can give you a better understanding of her financial situation and any discrepancies in her accounts.

Obviously, she will not want to share her bank details with you. In that case, you may request her banking statements through the court system or her lawyer.

#2. Check her tax returns:

Another way to prove she is lying about her income is to check her mother’s tax returns. This can show discrepancies between her reported income and what she earns. You may access her tax returns through the court system or her lawyer.

Also, your child’s mother may be required to provide her mother’s tax returns in order to receive child support payments.

#3. Review her employment records:

You can also review her employment records to see if her mother is telling the truth about her job and income. This can include her employment contract, pay stubs, and any other documents that may reveal discrepancies between her reported income and what she actually earns.

You may be able to access her work records by requesting them from her mother’s employer or through the court system.

#4. Hire a private investigator:

Sometimes, you may need to hire a private investigator to uncover her lies about her income and living situation. Private investigators can be expensive, but they can provide valuable evidence that she is lying to receive child support payments.

Moreover, a private investigator can also help you uncover other information the mother may have lied about to get child support, such as her living situation or lifestyle.

If you are still not convinced, watch the below video about how to combat a lying spouse in court:

FAQs on Mother Lying to Get Child Support


I’m not the child’s dad. The mom lied to the court. What do I do?

“I need help with child support fraud.”

The first thing you should do is consult with a lawyer. Depending on your state’s specific laws, options may be available to you in this situation. A lawyer can provide expert advice and help guide you through filing any legal documents required by the court. 

Additionally, they can advise you on what steps need to be taken to protect your rights and interests. The court may also need you to provide evidence of paternity, such as a DNA test, so a lawyer can help facilitate this process. 

Remember that paternity fraud is a crime punishable under the law, so you may want to explore legal action against the mother if applicable. It’s important to remember that this situation can be stressful for all parties involved, so remaining calm and seeking professional guidance will help ensure the best outcome for everyone.

What happens if you lie in family court in Ontario?

Lying in family court in Ontario or elsewhere is never a good idea. Not only can you be found in contempt of court and face fines or jail time depending on the severity of the lie, but more importantly, any rulings made based on false information will not truly reflect the court’s intent.

In most cases, a judge may discover that someone has lied and, as a result, could question everything else presented by all parties to the case. Therefore, it is best to present only facts in court and avoid embellishments or stretching of the truth.

How do judges know someone lying?

It can be difficult to determine when someone is lying, especially since there are often no physical signs that point to deceit. However, research has shown that judges have a few telltale indicators they rely on to decide if the testimony they hear is truthful.

One of the most important factors is the overall consistency between statements made; if details are changed or added in between questioning, it’s likely that the witness is being dishonest.

Additionally, experts look for hesitation and discrepancy in language and tone; if a witness appears uncertain or unwilling to answer, this might indicate fabrication. Lastly, body language cues such as fidgeting, avoiding eye contact, and failing to speak naturally can often provide key insight into whether a statement is true or false.

Ultimately these techniques help judges better assess reality from falsehoods when making decisions within courtrooms.

Can you sue for false child support?

In short, yes, you can sue for false child support. Each state has specific laws and provisions that allow a parent to seek damages if they are forced to pay more than the legally required amount. This can range from proving that the other parent has been intentionally overstating their income or providing incorrect information regarding their childcare needs.

The key has evidence that the other parent’s demands are improper and out of line with what is allowed under the law. An experienced attorney can help navigate this complex area of family law, ensuring that a fair outcome for all parties involved is eventually reached.

Is it illegal to collect child support if the child does not live with you?

The answer to this question depends on the laws of your state. In some states, a non-custodial parent can still be ordered to pay child support even if the child does not live with them. 

In other states, however, it may not be legal for a non-custodial parent to collect child support without providing care for the child. It is important to check with your state’s laws on this issue before attempting to collect child support. 

Additionally, legal resources are available to assist custodial parties in collecting payments from non-custodial parents who fail to comply with agreements or make payments promptly.

Collecting child support can be difficult when a parent does not live with the child, but it is not impossible and should not be overlooked.

What is the penalty for hiding income for child support?

Hiding income when child support is due is a serious offense. Depending on the severity, penalties can range from fines and forfeiting past-due payments to potentially facing criminal charges.

In cases where a non-custodial parent attempts to avoid paying child support, the custodial parent may have to seek enforcement of the court order with the assistance of their local child support enforcement office.

The judge or magistrate may order additional payments to cover past-due costs, such as late payment fees, and impose fines or other penalties on the non-custodial parent.

In more extreme cases, hiding income for child support can lead to criminal fraud charges, making it a severe issue that should not be taken lightly.

How do I report someone not paying child support?

It is imperative to take the steps necessary to ensure that those responsible for providing child support are held accountable. If the person responsible for paying child support is not making payments on time or in full, you should contact your local county’s Child Support Enforcement Division.

They will be able to provide guidance and assistance in ensuring that you receive the support you are entitled to. After filing a complaint, hiring an attorney or private collection agency may be necessary to pursue a resolution.

However, with the help of Child Support Enforcement’s resources and knowledge of local laws governing child support, you can rest assured that justice will be served and your rights will be protected.

Conclusion:

Lying to get child support can have serious consequences for the mother, including being removed from public benefit programs, losing visitation rights, and damaging her reputation. It is essential that parents are honest about their financial situation in order to ensure they receive the child support payments they need.

About Shakir Ahmed

Head of the editorial team. I hold a Bachelor of Laws (LL.B) from UoL. Written hundreds of articles on divorce, child custody, employment and other human rights law topics for blogs and websites worldwide. Worked 6 years as a relationship development trainer. For any communication regarding any legal matter, please feel free to email me at shakir@lawyersnlaws.com

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