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Can You Stop Paying Child Support if You Lose Your Job?

Can You Stop Paying Child Support if You Lose Your Job?

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It seems logical to stop paying child support if you lose your job. However, you must take specific steps to relieve or decrease this legal obligation. A Huntsville child support attorney can help you in these circumstances.

Countless Americans have lost their jobs or had their work hours reduced over the past year. If you are one of them, you might be wondering if losing your job is a reason to stop paying child support. The answer to this question can be complex and is best handled by an experienced Huntsville child support lawyer who is familiar with Alabama child support laws and your situation. Your best course of action should be to reach out to an attorney before you stop paying or pay less than what the court ordered you to pay. 

Don’t Stop Paying Yet

When you lose your job or have reduced hours, every penny counts. Child support might be one of your most significant financial obligations and the one you want to stop paying first. However, you can’t simply stop paying this parental obligation when you lose your job. If you do, you could be subject to legal consequences. You must go through the proper channels and get the court order changed before you are allowed to stop making payments without consequences.

Talk to the Other Parent

Often the quickest way to have your child support order changed is to talk to the child’s other parent. If you have an amicable relationship, you might be able to explain your situation. Your Huntsville child support attorney might be able to reach out to them or to their attorney to see if the matter can be settled without going to court. If they agree to let you stop paying or to reduce the amount you owe, you can ask the court to sign off on your agreement. Then you must pay according to that agreement.

File a Court Request

If you can’t talk to your child’s other parent or you two can’t reach an agreement concerning child support, you will need to file a petition with the family court to change your child support. The court allows and grants such a request under certain conditions. A loss of income or a significant decrease in income are two reasons. Your Huntsville child support lawyer can file this petition on your behalf and attend any related hearings with you.

Rely On a Seasoned Huntsville Child Support Lawyer 

When you’ve lost your job and need to make changes to your child support obligation, you need an attorney who understands your situation and the law. You will find that attorney at Cloud, Ryan & Rouse. We take the time to fully understand your needs and goals and work hard to meet them. Our attorneys know that time is of the essence when you are getting a paycheck and need to pay child support, and they act accordingly. Schedule your consultation with a seasoned Huntsville child support lawyer by calling at 256-801-1000 or using our online contact form.


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