As the non-custodial parent, it is your job to send monthly child support payments to your ex-spouse. Yet a variety of circumstances can make this challenging, such as the loss of a job or serious injury that keeps you out of work for months. If you need to temporarily modify your child support payments, consult a divorce attorney. While working with legal counsel, keep these tips in mind.

Tips for Modifying Child Support Payments

1. Act Fast

File a child support modification form with your state government as soon as you realize payments will be an issue. Delaying the process will not dissolve the amount you owe and can make you seem negligent to your state’s family court. Also, let your ex-spouse know about the change in circumstances as soon as possible. While it may not be the most pleasant conversation, making the other party aware shows you are responsible.

2. Keep Making Payments

Continue sending child support payments, even if they are lower than what was originally agreed upon. This demonstrates effort and dedication to the family court and will help the modification request. It also prevents monthly payments from becoming serious debts that you will still have to pay.

3. Maintain Payment Records

Create a spreadsheet of your monthly payments or record them in a notebook, as well as all other child costs you help with such as medical bills and money for school trips. Do not rely on your ex to tell the court you have made payments in good faith, even if you have a civil relationship. A record of past child support payments and related expenses further strengthens your claim to the court, because it shows you are a caring parent.

4. Provide Proof of Your Change in Circumstances

Provide the court with proof of your current change in circumstances, such as a termination document from your last job or a medical bill from a recent accident. If your change is due to job loss, also show the court that you are looking for new work. For example, use pictures or screenshots of applications with visible dates. Your divorce attorney will likely ask for documentation before you appear in court.

Consult the divorce attorneys at The Law Offices of Conti, Levy and Salerno, LLC when you need a child support modification. Serving Litchfield County, these lawyers are dedicated to meeting their clients’ needs. Call (860) 482-4451 today to schedule a consultation with a divorce attorney, or learn more about the practice online.