About 15 million children in the U.S. receive child support payments from one of their parents. The amount of payment required is determined on a case by case basis, accounting for each parents’ income, debts, and more. Once a child support order is set, it is legally binding. However, life circumstances can quickly change, and paying parents may find themselves unable to keep up with required costs.
Our attorneys at Miles Hansford, LLC explain what parents should do if they can no longer afford the amount of child support they are required to pay.
Request a Modification of Child Support
You have the right to request a modification of the active child support orders if you are unable to afford the required payments. However, modifications will not be granted for just any reason. You will need to provide evidence supporting your claim that you cannot reasonably afford the payments and need the amount to decrease.
Valid reasons for child support modifications include:
- You have suffered serious injury or illness
- Remarriage
- Job change or change in income
The Consequences of Unpaid Child Support
You should always request a modification instead of taking your chances by missing or skipping payments. If you do not make mandatory child support payments, you could be found in contempt. Missing child support payments can result in additional fines, license suspension, or even your arrest. The courts may also take other actions to obtain money from you, like wage garnishment, which is when money is removed from your paycheck before it reaches your bank account.
Cumming, Georgia Child Support Attorneys
Do you have questions about your current child support order, or are you ready to start the modification process? Our attorneys at Miles Hansford, LLC can help. Call us today at (770) 574-6688 to discuss your legal matters further.