Financial obligations that are set during a divorce must be followed as they are ordered. You can’t decide that you aren’t going to pay child support just because you want to spend the money on your own needs. Not abiding by the child support order can make things more difficult for your ex, but it is also unfair to your children and might lead to them not getting the things they need. We realize that things happen in life sometimes that might force you to make difficult financial decisions.
If you are laid off, fired or have an involuntary reduction in your income, you might be able to get a modification of the support order. You should file the petition as soon as you know about the potential problem. Support modifications aren’t retroactive, so you will have to continue making the payments to the best of your ability. Taking quick action can prevent you from going too far in arrears.
We know that most parents are fully willing to financially support their children, but we don’t want you to feel bad if you seek a modification due to an unavoidable job- or health-related issue. As long as you seek a modification, you are staying on top of the matter to the best of your ability. This will give your ex a warning that future support payments might be reduced so they can take steps to adjust their own budget accordingly.
Make sure that you are fully honest about your financial status when you file the petition. Any misstatements can impact the outcome of the case. We are here to help you with this important legal battle.