As unemployment across the United States reaches all-time high numbers, many Americans who must pay child support are finding it more difficult to make these payments. Last week, we discussed changes to child custody during COVID-19. This week, we wanted to shift our attention to a very real problem: child support modification agreements during COVID-19.
Modifying Child Support Payments During COVID-19
If you are one of the millions of Americans who have filed for unemployment as a result of COVID-19, you are facing great financial hardship that can offset many aspects of your life. If this loss of employment has made it difficult for you to make your monthly child support payments, you need to address this with your ex, in addition to a child support attorney.
To prove that your financial change is grave, you need to prove the following:
- Your income has significantly decreased
- Your child’s health needs have grown
- There has been a change in healthcare costs
- Increase in child care costs
Once you have documentation proving that you cannot maintain these payments, then you can move forward with a modification petition.
It is important to note that you will not be refunded prior payments to reflect this modification. Only future payments will be modified. This is why it’s important that you seek legal guidance right away, and not miss any payments as that can leave you in legal trouble.
Such ramifications for not paying child support include:
- A lien may be placed on your property
- Driver’s license can be revoked
- Bank accounts will be seized
- Denied passport
- No tax refunds will be given
- Bad credit
Stimulus and Child Support Payments
If you have already fallen behind on child support payments, know that you may not receive a stimulus check as part of the CARES Act relief bill. The funds received from the check will typically be put directly into those back payments so that your child is receiving the care he or she needs.
Why Do I Need an Attorney For a Child Support Modification?
While you can certainly gather information on your own and petition the court to modify your child support agreements, there can be mistakes that hinder the process or disparage your efforts to modify.
However, when you enlist the guidance of a trusted family law attorney, you can rest assured that we will do everything in our power to ensure your voice is heard and your support plan can be modified.
Our Nashville Child Support Lawyers are Here to Help
We understand how difficult it is to stay financially stable during this uncertain time. We also know that you want what is best for your child no matter what. You can count on the Tennessee family law attorneys at MHPS to help you reach a modification agreement that financially helps you while also supporting your child.
If you are having child support problems in Charlotte, Brentwood, Franklin, and other communities across Davidson and Williamson Counties, we’re only a phone call away. Contact the Nashville child support lawyers at MHPS now for more information.