There are times in life when circumstances change and a person suddenly cannot pay their court-ordered child support. When this occurs, a person needs to contact a child support attorney immediately in order to have this amount adjusted, otherwise they could face jail time. If you have lost your job or now make substantially less than you once did, contact a lawyer right away to discuss your options.
It is important to note that a person cannot simply stop paying child support, regardless of their circumstances. A person can be arrested for failure to pay so it is vital that a person do everything they can to make their payments. If, however, it is simply not possible to make these payments, it is possible to get the amount adjusted.
A judge will examine a person’s situation to determine if an adjustment is warranted. If a person has lost a job, the judge will inquire about what type of work is available and how likely it might be for the parent to find a similar job. For instance, if a person works at a job where they make minimum wage, it is very likely they could find a similar job very quickly. Depending on your educational background and professional history, a job loss may not be enough to get wages adjusted.
There are also times when a person’s situation changes for the better and the other parent needs more child support. Again, a parent cannot simply demand more money. Instead, they should seek a court order adjusting this support upward in order to provide for their child.
Child support can be a contentious issue. At the Law Offices of James S. Cunha, we have helped many parents adjust the income they owe or receive. This way, the needs of the child can be met to the best of the ability of each parent. To speak with a child support attorney in West Palm Beach, contact the Law Offices of James S. Cunha today to schedule a consultation.
