Frequently Asked Questions About Child Support

Law Blog

A child support case is one of the most complex aspects of family law. This is why many people don't always understand how things work.

Below are some of the frequently asked questions and their answers. They can give you insight into what to expect with your child support case.

How Much Should You Pay for Child Support?

Child support payments vary from one case to another. Therefore, there's no standardized amount set for any particular state.

The court considers several factors when deciding on the payments. The most obvious factor is the income of both parents. The court also considers other factors such as the parent's employment status, their tax obligation, and the child's living expense. Your lawyer can advise you on what to expect to help you prepare before the ruling.

Will I Still Retain My Visitation Rights If I Don't Pay Child Support?

A non-custodial parent can still visit their child even if they don't pay child support. Regardless of the circumstances, you should not deny your ex-partner their visitation rights. 

If your ex-partner refuses to pay child support, you should talk to your family lawyer. Your lawyer will tell you what legal actions to take.

If you feel that things are getting out of hand, you can seek the input of a court. The judge can change the visitation schedule and enforce timely child support payments.

Do I Still Need to Pay Child Support If I'm Unemployed?

As mentioned earlier, the court determines child support payments based on the income of both parents. A parent must make timely monthly payments even if they are unemployed. So losing your job doesn't exempt you from paying for child support. 

Parents should not try making an informal agreement between themselves. Instead, they should request the court to modify the existing child support agreement. After assessing the change in income, the court will adjust the payments accordingly.

What Happens Your Partner Stops Paying Child Support?

If your ex-partner stops paying for child support, you can first reach out to them (through your lawyer) for an explanation. If they provide a valid reason, then both of you can work out a reasonable plan for payments.

If they refuse to pay without a legitimate reason, the court may take the following actions.

• Garnishing of wages. Your family lawyer can request an income withholding order from the court. The court can reach out to your ex's employer on your behalf. The employer will deduct child support payments from your ex's paycheck. 
• Revocation of licenses. The court may revoke your ex-partner's driving, business, or professional license(s). 
• Passport denial. Your ex-partner may have difficulty obtaining a passport. Denying of passport prevents them from fleeing the country and abandoning their responsibility. 

Talk to experienced family lawyer services if you need more clarification on child support payments.

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25 March 2022