Divorces that involve children have many more complex issues than cases that do not. It is natural for parents to first become concerned with child custody issues, but child support is another contentious issue that must be addressed. Divorce is already an expensive process which is made even more costly when one spouse learns they will have to pay child support. Some people may want to avoid paying child support so much that they take drastic measures such as quitting their job. In these cases, their former spouse is typically left wondering if that is even allowed.

While no one can force someone to go to work every day, there are measures you can take if your former spouse is refusing to pay child support. A Lombard family lawyer can help ensure you receive the payments you are owed.

When a court order is established regarding child support payments or child custody, it is meant to last, but that does not mean it is not subject to alterations. In the state of Illinois, post-decree modifications are common in court order surrounding divorce. Whether you are looking to adjust your child support or child custody order, it is important to understand the steps you need to take to ensure those changes can be made. The most critical step you can take in this process is hiring a skilled attorney with experience in cases of post-decree modifications.

Understanding Post-Decree Modifications

At the conclusion of a divorce case, a judge will sign an order or decree that will resolve various issues surrounding the divorce. In order to seek a modification to the order, you will need to file a motion. If you believe changes are necessary to the order, it is important to file the motion in a timely fashion. It should be noted that in order to seek post-decree modifications you and your attorney must be able to note significant changes that have occurred since the time of the initial order. In issues of child support, these changes most commonly revolve around changes in either parent’s income. If you are paying child support to your former spouse and you lose your job, you should file a motion to adjust the amount of child support owed, rather than being delinquent on your child support payments.

In the state of Illinois, thousands of couples make the difficult decision to pursue a divorce, each year. While the divorce process can come with unforeseen challenges regardless of the circumstances, the divorce process can be increasingly complex when children are involved. If one parent is awarded primary parental responsibility of a child, the other parent will usually be required to pay some sort of child support. In the state of Illinois, child support payments are calculated through consideration of the income of both parents as well as parenting time and parental responsibilities of both parents. If you believe you are entitled to child support, it is time to speak with a qualified legal professional.

Seeking Child Support

As you navigate the legal process of your divorce, you and your attorney need to work closely. If you are awarded the majority of legal and physical parental responsibilities, you are likely entitled to significant child support payments. As the court calculates a fair child support agreement, speak to your attorney if you believe that the court has miscalculated you or your spouse’s income. The state of Illinois wants to calculate payments in the fairest way possible if financial statements have been falsified by one party, the integrity of the agreement could be compromised. It is also important to notify your attorney if your child has special medical or general care needs that could impact the expenses of raising the child independently. Your attorney will work diligently to advocate on your behalf in court.

The divorce process is an emotionally trying time, but the months after a divorce can also come with challenges. For custodial parents, adjusting to a life of raising their child on their own can be a difficult transition. The financial challenges that custodial parents face are well documented, further showcasing the importance of child support. Unfortunately, many parents do not receive their child support payments in full and struggle to provide for their children. If your former spouse is failing to make their child support payments in full or on time, it is time to seek out the assistance of a knowledgeable attorney.

Securing Your Child Support Payments

According to the United States Census Bureau, there are approximately 13.7 million single custodial parents living throughout the United States, with over half of them having some form of child support agreement with a former spouse. Unfortunately, less than half of all custodial parents with a child support agreement, receive their payments in whole. Child support can be invaluable for parents that need financial support to provide for their family, and if you are not receiving the child support you deserve, it is time to act.

After a divorce is finalized, most parties feel a certain level of relief. Officially starting a new life independent of your partner is the start of something new but it can come with some unforeseen challenges. In many cases, a recently divorced person will be mandated to pay child support to their former spouse. If one is unable to consistently make their payments in full and on time, they could face serious consequences. If you are unable or unwilling to pay your child support payments, it may be time to look into modifying the payment plan. For more information on what steps to take to modify your child support payment plan, speak with a knowledgeable legal professional today.

How to Modify Your Child Support Payment Plan

If you are unable to pay your child support, it is time to act. Not only can an inability to make payments result in potential garnishment of wages, one can potentially face the loss of driving privileges, significant fines, and even possible jail time. Recognizing this, you need to contact a legal professional as soon as you recognize that you are unable to make your payments.