[nampa]

Is a U.S. citizen liable for child support to a woman in a foreign country (without a reciprocity law), to a child, even if there is no U.S. residency history of the woman or child? What is the mechanism? What is the enforcement?
Apparently, everything is gay now and the Hague past a 2007 Convention to further screw first-world fathers and reduce our birth rate with foreign women abroad.

I currently don't have a problem, but as time goes on and the calculations look more negative for kids in the U.S., I was open to the possibility of procreating abroad, marrying her there, keeping her and the kid there. I'm sure there are defects to this plan, legally, but I am too busy to parse and interrogate unscrupulous or incompetent lawyers at this preliminary stage.

[Blackychan]

This is chatgpt response i asked it about renouncing us citizenship and it gave a soild answer.

The issue of child support involving international parties is complex and depends on various factors, including the laws of both countries involved and any existing international agreements. Here's a general overview:

Liability for Child Support
U.S. Citizen's Obligation: A U.S. citizen can be held liable for child support for a child residing in a foreign country, even if the child and the custodial parent have never lived in the United States. The obligation to support one's biological or legally recognized child is based on parentage, not residency.
Legal Mechanisms
Establishing Paternity:

Legal Requirement: Before child support can be enforced, paternity must be legally established.
Methods: This can be done voluntarily through acknowledgment or through court proceedings, which may involve DNA testing.
Initiating Legal Action:

Foreign Court Orders: The custodial parent can obtain a child support order from a court in their own country.
Filing in U.S. Courts: Alternatively, the custodial parent may initiate legal action in a U.S. court to establish a child support order.
International Agreements:

Hague Convention: The United States is a party to the Hague Convention on the International Recovery of Child Support and Other Forms of Family Maintenance.
Implication: If the foreign country is also a signatory, the Convention provides a framework for cooperation between countries to enforce child support orders.
Reciprocal Agreements:
State-Level Agreements: Some U.S. states have reciprocal arrangements with foreign countries, facilitating enforcement.
Federal-Level Agreements: The U.S. federal government maintains agreements with certain countries to recognize and enforce child support obligations.
Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA):

Scope: While UIFSA primarily governs interstate child support within the U.S., it includes provisions for international cases.
Enforcement: UIFSA allows U.S. courts to recognize and enforce child support orders from foreign countries, even those without formal reciprocity, under certain conditions.
Enforcement Mechanisms
Wage Garnishment: U.S. courts can order the non-custodial parent's employer to withhold a portion of wages for child support.
Tax Refund Intercepts: Federal and state tax refunds can be intercepted to satisfy child support arrears.
Contempt of Court: Failure to comply with a U.S. court order can result in contempt charges, fines, or even imprisonment.
Property Liens: Liens can be placed on the non-custodial parent's property and assets within the U.S.
Credit Reporting: Delinquent payments can be reported to credit bureaus, affecting the individual's credit score.
Challenges Without Reciprocity
Limited Enforcement Abroad: Without a reciprocity agreement, enforcing a foreign child support order in the U.S. becomes more challenging but is not necessarily impossible.
Jurisdiction Issues: U.S. courts must have personal jurisdiction over the non-custodial parent to enforce orders.
Recognition of Foreign Orders: Courts may require that the foreign order meets certain legal standards before recognition.
Potential Solutions
Legal Representation: The custodial parent may hire legal counsel in the U.S. to file a case for child support.
Voluntary Compliance: The non-custodial parent can voluntarily agree to support arrangements to avoid legal complications.
Diplomatic Channels: In some cases, assistance from consulates or embassies may facilitate communication and enforcement efforts.
Recommendations
Consult a Family Law Attorney:

For the Non-Custodial Parent: Understanding your legal obligations and potential liabilities is crucial. An attorney can provide personalized advice.
For the Custodial Parent: An attorney experienced in international family law can help navigate the complexities of enforcing child support across borders.
Understand Legal Obligations:

Stay Informed: Laws vary by state and country; being aware of your responsibilities can prevent legal issues.
Consider Mediation:

Alternative Dispute Resolution: Mediation can be a less adversarial way to reach a support agreement acceptable to both parties.
Important Considerations
Good Faith Effort: Demonstrating a willingness to provide support can reflect positively in legal proceedings.
Documentation: Keep detailed records of any support provided, communication, and legal documents.
Impact on Passport Renewal:
U.S. Law: Delinquent child support payments exceeding $2,500 can result in the denial of U.S. passport applications or renewals.
Conclusion
While the absence of a reciprocity agreement complicates enforcement, U.S. citizens may still be legally obligated to pay child support for a child residing abroad. Enforcement mechanisms exist but may require legal action to implement effectively.