In addition to the special circumstances mentioned above, matters relating to the enforcement of child support are dealt with by state and local authorities and not by the federal government. In addition, all matters relating to the enforcement of child support must be dealt with at the local or state level before concerns can be raised at the federal level. 18 U.S.C. § 228 prohibits a person from intentionally failing to pay child support in certain circumstances. Finally, this law prohibits people who are required to pay child support from crossing state borders or fleeing the country to avoid paying child support that has been overdue for more than 1 year or more than $5,000. (See 18 U.S.C. § 228(a)(2)). Anyone convicted of this crime faces up to 2 years in prison. 18 U.S.C. § 228 – Non-Payment of Statutory Child Support Obligations First, a person is liable to federal prosecution if he or she wilfully fails to pay court-ordered support for a child living in another state, or if payment is more than 1 year late or exceeds $5,000. A violation of this Act is a criminal offense, and convicted offenders are liable to fines and up to 6 months in prison (see 18 U.S.C. § 228(a)(1)).

In the same circumstances, if child support is more than 2 years overdue or exceeds $10,000, the violation is a criminal offense and convicted offenders are liable to fines and up to 2 years in prison (see 18 U.S.C. § 228(a)(3)).