When making child support payments, you understand the importance of doing so on time and in full every month. With this approach, you know that your child is receiving the financial support he or she needs.
As time goes by, your financial situation can change. So, a child support payment that was easy to make in the past is now putting too much stress on your finances. Read on to learn what to do.
You should never believe that it’s okay to stop making your child support payments. If you do this, you could soon find yourself in a lot of trouble. For example, the state could begin to take the money directly from your paycheck (if you are employed).
A better option is to file for a child support modification with the appropriate family law court. Here are some tips for doing so:
- Get started today, not tomorrow. If you can’t afford your child support payments you need to act quickly. This is because the court can’t do anything to help you until you take the necessary steps. Putting this off may only make your situation worse.
- Learn more about child support laws, including whether you are in position to request and receive a modification.
- Talk to the other parent. You don’t have to get into the details, but you should explain why you are unable to make your child support payments. If you’re sincere, this person may agree to a modification.
- Stay current no matter what it takes. It’s not always easy, but do your best to keep up with your child support payments. This may mean cutting back in other areas of your life, but it’s better than falling behind.
- File your request and work with the court. Once you file a request, don’t hesitate to provide the court with any information it needs to make a final determination.
There is no shame in realizing that you are unable to afford your child support payments. For example, if you lost your job, it may be impossible for you to stay current with this financial obligation.
As you learn more about your legal rights and the process of requesting a modification, you can implement a plan for moving forward with your life.