Hi, my name is Kirsten Krueger and two years ago, I was in a car accident. I was stopped at a stop sign when the driver behind me slammed into my car. Due to my injuries, I had to spend a few days in the hospital and I was unable to work for two months. My medical care was expensive and without being able to work, I couldn't pay my bills. The car accident was stressful enough and then I had to worry about how I would pay my bills. After speaking with a car accident lawyer, it wasn't long before I was compensated for my medical bills and lost wages from work. I'm writing this blog to help others who have been a car accident and haven't received any compensation. As you read my posts, you'll learn how an attorney can help you if you're in a vehicle accident.
If you have recently gone through a divorce and are expected to pay child support, then you may have quite a few questions. This is common, especially if you are new to the entire process. And there are some things that you should know in regard to the way that child support payments can be adjusted with the help of a child support attorney.
Child Support Can Be Adjusted In An Emergency
There are situations where you just may not have the money to pay your total child support payment due to an emergency situation. A visit to the hospital that leaves you unable to work or a layoff are a few examples. So, what do you do in this case? Well, you can file for a temporary emergency order of modification. The process is pretty simple and can be approved by a judge as long as you and the other parent agree with the change.
So, you want to first start by speaking with your ex-spouse. If you do not have contact with them, then you can have your attorney make contact through a certified letter or a phone call. Your attorney can then draft paperwork that is signed by both parties and presented to the judge. This can take a few months to process, so in the meantime, make every possible attempt to pay as much of your initial child support payment as you can.
You should know that the adjustment should be outlined for a set period of time, so think about this when trying to make the change. Also, your ex-spouse can ask for an emergency adjustment in the future to increase the child support if an expense comes up that she or he cannot pay. Medical bills are an example of this.
Permanent Child Support Adjustments Can Be Made
A temporary child support adjustment can be made without a hearing. However, you will need to be present before a judge to have the temporary order changed to a permanent one. In fact, any permanent change must be approved at a hearing. And you will need a good reason for the permanent change. For example, you can request one if you have changed jobs and receive less of an income than you did previously.
Marriages, permanent disabilities, and substantial increases in costs associated with the child are all reasons why the adjustment can be made. Since the adjustments are made according to court orders, you should have your attorney present with you at the time of the hearing.
Court orders may be awarded in your favor or you may need to pay more money. If you are asked to pay more, you should work with your attorney to produce financial documents to show how this change may affect you and your ability to pay your own bills. Reach out to a child support attorney to learn more.
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