Those who lose their job should be mindful of child support obligations

Brooklyn, NY – Pending layoffs throughout the nation in the technology and financial sectors are causing some parents to ask questions about getting child support payments lowered after a change in income. Support payments are often put in place after a divorce or a paternity test, and they remain one of the most serious financial obligations that the parent will have until the child reaches adulthood. Lawyers who focus on family law issues should be contacted whenever there are concerns about support or custody matters. 

Financial and legal advice about child support after a job loss

According to Forbes, the effects of a sudden job loss can have very real consequences in terms of a person’s ability to pay bills such as mortgages, utilities, and even child support [1]. These payments are usually based on the person’s prior income from the job they held when the order was put into place. In New York, the income shares model is used to determine this amount, which considers the combined income of both parents along with the total number of children who are minors. This is the most common method used by states around the country. 

Unfortunately for parents who are obligated to make support payments, the prior order will always stay in place until a couple of specific things happen. Any non-payment before a judge modifies the previous order can result in serious consequences such as fines, loss of property, and even jail time. In order to get a new payment amount, a judge either needs to agree that there has been a substantial change in circumstances that justifies changing the old order, or the parent receiving the payments needs to waive their right to the payments and give notice to the court. The good news is that a sudden job loss tends to be one of the things that will allow the judge to modify the order. 

Professionals in family law recommend giving notice to the state agency that collects the support immediately after the job loss. It is also important to realize that if the person waits after a job loss and does not make payments, it is often impossible to modify past due child support once it is not paid by the due date. 

Family attorneys in New York

Elliot Green Law Offices is a trusted family law practice in Brooklyn. Their lawyers focus on cases such as divorce, alimony payments, child support, custody disputes, and domestic violence.

USAttorneys.com can help anyone who needs to find a lawyer in their area. Those who want a referral to a local attorney can call 800-672-3103 to receive assistance.

Firm contact info:

Elliot Green Law Offices

32 Court Street, Suite 404, Brooklyn, NY, 11201

718-260-8668

www.elliotgreenlaw.com

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