Looking for a firm that knows Family Law, inside and out? We're ready to listen.
Apr 3, 2020
What To Do If You Can't Afford Child Support
Whether you can’t make child support payments because of COVID-19, a job change, an unforeseen emergency, or any other reason––you shouldn’t merely stop paying. If you stop making child support payments without notice or a probable cause, you may face serious consequences. Some of the consequences include garnished wages, property liens, jail time––and, in serious cases, felony charges. To avoid these consequences, there’s a course of action you must take. In our guide below, we’re going to discuss what to do if you can't afford child support; read on to learn more.
Communicate with Your Ex-Spouse
The worst action you can take when you’re missing child support payments is none. Under no circumstances should you merely stop paying without telling your ex. A lack of communication on your part could result in your ex-spouse talking to the state or their attorney and you finding yourself summoned to court. You don’t have to provide details, but tell your ex that child support is causing a hardship due to a sudden financial change, whether that’s medical expenses or a job loss. Overcommunication is better than not communicating at all, and it might save you court time.
Contact Child Support Enforcement
You should also communicate your current circumstances with your state’s Office of Child Support Enforcement. Contacting the child support agency simply covers all your bases. Of course, every divorce outcome is different, and your ex may refuse to speak with you. Speaking with your state’s child support agency ensures that legal officials are at least aware of your absence in child support payments.
Consult an Attorney
Whether you want to make a formal request to lower your child support payments or believe you’re wrongfully required to pay, you’ll need an attorney. In fact, requesting lower child support payments even if one is in a good financial state is common. That said, you can only lower or eliminate payments with the aid of an attorney.
To reiterate, if you’re unsure what to do if you can't afford child support, everything starts with communication. You’ll likely need an attorney at some point in the process, so be sure to hire someone with integrity who’s going to get you in and out of the process quickly. If you’re searching for child support lawyers in Illinois, few firms support their clients better than Schiller DuCanto & Fleck. Our attorneys are well-versed in family, and they take immense pride in offering high-quality legal services. Contact us today to set up an appointment.
News and Insights
Jan 16, 2023
How Long Do Child Support Payments Typically Last?
Many families know about and use child support, but the rules can be confusing. Here, you can learn how long child suppo…
Read More
/news/detail
Apr 10, 2024
Adam Zebelian Moderates Panel Discussion On International Custody Disputes At Chicago Bar Association's CLE 2024 Abroad In Mexico City
Partner Adam Zebelian recently moderated a panel discussion on “International Custody Disputes: Mexican Family La…
Read More
Dec 6, 2023
A Problem Solving Approach To Divorce
Partner Jennifer Enloe discusses the concept of divorce as a problem-solving journey, where clients select the approach …
Watch Video