Paying child support can be difficult at times and our law office is well aware of the challenges many non-custodial parents face. From managing payments to a health crisis that was unexpected, making these payments on time can be hard. However, there are times when parents face unexpected challenges and become unable to pay child support altogether. For example, someone may not be able to stay current on their child support after being laid off, fired or having their hours cut at work. If you are struggling with child support payments because of a job-related problem, you may be able to modify your child support order.

It is important to plan ahead and try to prepare for problems before they arrive. For example, if you know that you will lose your job in the near future because of a notice you received or because you took on a temporary position or work in a seasonal field, you should try to do what you can to make sure that you do not fall behind on child support. By owing back child support, your life may become harder in many different ways, whether you are taken into custody, experience other financial problems such as wage garnishment and tax refund interception, cannot receive a passport or face other consequences.

If significant life changes such as the loss of your job have left you unable to pay child support, you might be able to have your child support order modified and our fathers’ rights page has more on this topic.