Child support helps ensure a child’s well-being and development, even when you and your former partner live apart. It’s one of the most tangible ways to contribute to your child’s daily needs, from food and shelter to education and health care.
However, life’s unpredictability can sometimes throw financial curveballs, leaving even the most responsible parents struggling to meet their obligations. If you suddenly face financial hardship and struggle to pay child support, here are several steps to take:
Communicate with the other parent
It is advisable to inform the other parent of your situation as soon as possible. They may agree to pause or reduce payments without formally modifying your child support order. This is common in cases where noncustodial parents only need a brief break from child support.
On the other hand, formal agreements may be necessary if the situation becomes long-term or the custodial parent wants assurance that the other parent will start full payments again.
In any case, be ready to communicate honestly with your former partner. They may be more amenable if you request reduced payments instead of stopping payments altogether so your child still gets at least some support.
Contact your local child support enforcement agency
Aside from your child’s custodial parent, you may also want to inform your local child support enforcement agency. They can offer support in a number of ways such as:
- Setting up a more manageable payment plan
- Helping you find other sources of income
- Offering financial counseling
Providing early notice is important. If you start to miss payments before informing the agency, they may assume that you are refusing to pay child support.
Request a temporary modification
Another option is to request a temporary modification to your child support order through the Virginia court. The judge may agree to either pause or reduce payments for a certain period. However, this is typically only available to people with valid reasons such as:
- Job loss
- Serious injury or illness
- Newly acquired disability
- Unexpected medical expenses
Again, it is crucial to notify the court of your situation to show that you are not refusing to make payments.
Struggling to make child support payments does not mean you are a bad parent. By taking proactive steps, you can avoid legal issues and, most importantly, make sure your child’s needs are still being met. Having a child support attorney by your side can help make this situation easier for everyone.
