Child support is a legal obligation that parents have towards their children. It is the financial support provided by one parent to another for the upbringing of their child. However, at times, agreements regarding child support can falter due to various reasons such as changes in income, job loss, or relocation. In such situations, it is essential to seek the help of a family law attorney to ensure that your child’s needs are still being met. In this article, we will discuss the steps to take when agreements regarding child support falter and how an experienced family law attorney can assist you.
Understanding Child Support Agreements
Once they have been incorporated into a court order, child support agreements are legally binding arrangements between parents or guardians concerning financial support for their child’s upbringing. These agreements are usually made during a divorce, separation, or in cases where the parents are not living together. The amount of child support to be paid is determined based on various factors such as the income of both parents, the needs of the child, and any special circumstances.
Reasons for Faltering Agreements
There can be various reasons for faltering child support agreements. Some of the common reasons include changes in income, job loss, and relocation. In cases where the paying parent’s financial situation changes significantly, they may not be able to meet their child support obligations as stated in the agreement. Similarly, if the receiving parent moves to a different state or country with the child, it can complicate matters and lead to a breakdown of the agreement.
Steps to Take When Agreements Falter
If your child support agreement has faltered, here are some steps you can take to address the issue:
- Communicate with Your Ex-Partner: The first step is to try and communicate with your ex-partner and understand why they have not been able to meet their obligations. It is essential to approach the situation calmly and try to find a solution that works for both parties.
- Seek Mediation: If communication with your ex-partner fails, you can seek the help of a mediator. A mediator is an impartial third party who can help facilitate discussions between you and your ex-partner and come to a mutually agreeable solution.
- File a Motion for Enforcement: If the above steps do not work, you can file a motion for enforcement with the court. This will require your ex-partner to appear in court and explain why they have not been able to meet their child support obligations.
- Hire a Family Law Attorney: In situations where agreements falter, it is best to seek the help of an experienced family law attorney. They can guide you through the legal process and ensure that your child’s needs are still being met.
How a Family Law Attorney Can Help You
A family law attorney can assist you in various ways when it comes to enforcing child support agreements, including:
- Reviewing Your Agreement: An experienced family law attorney can review your child support agreement and determine if any modifications need to be made based on your current situation.
- Negotiating with Your Ex-Partner: Your attorney can negotiate with your ex-partner and their legal representation to come up with a new agreement that works for both parties.
- Representing You in Court: If the matter goes to court, your attorney can represent you and advocate for your child’s best interests.
- Enforcing Court Orders: If the court has issued a child support order, but your ex-partner is still not meeting their obligations, your attorney can take legal action to enforce the court’s orders.
Conclusion
In conclusion, child support agreements can falter due to various reasons, and it is crucial to address them promptly. The steps mentioned above can help you navigate through this situation, but it is always recommended to seek the help of a family law attorney. At Mullett Dove & Bradley Family Law, our experienced attorneys can provide you with the necessary guidance and representation to ensure that your child’s needs are being met. Contact us today for a consultation and let us help you through this difficult time.
