For men, keeping current with child support payments even in the best of economic times can be challenging, but in the current health pandemic crisis in which we find ourselves, getting behind on child support payments may be unavoidable. If you have suffered financially due to COVID-19, you may qualify for one of the financial assistance programs offered by the state and local governments. Even if you don’t qualify to receive funds, some of these programs allow deferred rent or mortgage payments for a period of time which would allow you to stay current on your child support payments.
You may also qualify for unemployment benefits, the unemployment office may deduct your child support payments from your unemployment wages, making sure that your legal obligations are met. Meeting your legal obligations of child support, even in a time of financial hardship or crisis, is imperative so that you do not face further financial or even legal problems.
Modification Requests
It is simply not an option to just stop paying your child support payments as you are mandated by law to pay until a judge changes your child support order to reflect a different ruling. This can happen in two ways, you can either ask your ex-spouse and or court to modify the existing child support agreement, or you can have your attorney file a request for you in court.
Asking Your Child’s Other Parent
Asking your child’s other parent to agree to child support modifications is something that you should do through your attorney in order to protect your interests. Your ex-spouse may agree to a temporary amendment that can be filled easily by your attorney for you and approved by a judge remotely. However, if your ex-spouse does not agree to proposed temporary terms, your attorney can file a motion to modify child support with the appropriate court and a hearing can be scheduled for the court to hear your request.
Be Prepared With Supporting Documentation
Be prepared to show your updated financial records, changes in income and debt obligations, and that you have been actively seeking work or either physically unable to work. Make sure to print out any email correspondence that you have had with previous, current, or potential employers so that you can provide evidence supporting your current situation. If you have applied for financial assistance, be sure to include all of the supporting records that detail the specifics of where you are in that process. Your attorney can help you obtain the necessary supporting documents that a judge can use to rule in your favor of modifying your child support order.
Experienced & Professional Assistance
At Morris Firm, we represent the interests of men in legal proceedings such as child support modifications, and we are available to answer any questions that you may have regarding your child support responsibilities. Contact Morris Firm today for representation you can depend on.
