Over 36 million Americans have made unemployment claims. Many of these citizens have children and are paying support. If the earning abilities of a parent or the financial needs of a child change, a child support modification may occur. This modification will shift the payment amount of child support to suit the situation. Many of those paying child support could be dealing with unemployment or a lack of income due to their job being at a standstill. Luckily, a child support modification can help their situation.
1. Look at Your Situation
Before you look to modify your child support, take a good look at your current situation. Are you in a location that is at green, yellow, or red risk? If the answer is yellow or red, you most likely will resume sheltering in place. Has your workplace let you know if you should expect to work soon, or are things looking like they will take a while to get back into motion? If you are certain that you will not have a job for the next few months, it is time to make a child support modification.
2. Talk to the Other Parent
The first step you should take when looking for a child support modification in Florida is to talk to the child’s other parent. Be honest about your financial situation and find a solution together. If your child’s other parent will agree to an alternate arrangement for child support during coronavirus, things will be much easier for you.
3. File for a Modification as Soon as Possible
The sooner you get in your modification request, the better. Even though the court is currently limited, you should be able to file papers for child support modification (though it depends on your location). It still may take a while for your motion to be heard, but the sooner you file, the sooner things will go through after a shelter in place is lifted.
4. Find a New Job
The court will want to see that you are making an attempt to make enough money to pay. This may mean searching for a new job. A judge is less likely to help a parent who is making no effort in finding employment. The sooner you find a new place of employment, the sooner you can start making child support payments.
5. Check Shelter-In-Place Court Guidelines
Depending on where you are and if you are sheltering in place, your court may be limited in what they can help you with. However, you may be able to e-file a support modification request. If you are having difficulties with a modification or feel like your rights have been affected by coronavirus, you should get in touch with an attorney.
Child Support Modification Florida Help
If you are stuck in an unfavorable financial situation and are seeking help with a child support modification, Paul H. Bowen Law can help. Paul H. Bowen has over 30-plus years of experience as an attorney and has experience with child support modification Florida. Paul H. Bowen can also help you with the preservation of marital assets, parenting plans, alimony, custody suits, and more. To learn more or for a consultation, call (727) 773-1554.