If you come to find that you are unable to make your child support payments as expected by the court (and the other parent), you need to learn more about your options.
While there’s no easy way to secure a child support modification, there are steps you can take to make this happen in the near future. There is no guarantee the court will comply with your request, but you won’t know until you file the necessary paperwork.
Since there is more to obtaining a child support modification than meets the eye, it’s imperative to answer a few key questions up front. Here are five of the most important:
- Are you ready to take action? The court doesn’t know you are unable to make your child support payments until you share the necessary information. You should take action as quickly as possible, as holding back is only going to make your situation worse.
- Do you understand the laws? It’s one thing to say you want a child support modification, but another thing entirely to have the court approve. You should learn more about child support laws in your state, even those that don’t seem to pertain to your situation right now.
- Have you talked to the other parent? This is one of the best things you can do, as he or she may agree to a modification. The court still has to approve, but if the other parent is on board with the idea, you’re in a much better position.
- Do you have proof that you can’t make your child support payments in full? You can’t obtain a child support modification because you’re tired of paying the full amount. You need to show the court that you can’t afford your payments in full, such as the result of a job loss.
- Do you know where to file your child support modification? You should file your request with the court that issued your order in the first place.
It’s best if you’re always able to make your child support payments in full and on time. If, for any reason, you’re unable to keep up, answer these questions to ensure that you proceed in a fast and efficient manner.