Since the covid pandemic, many have suffered from severe physical disabilities, leaving them unable to work and pay their child support. Even more concerning is when people who have contracted the disease develop new and worse symptoms months after the infection. These symptoms often progress and slowly compromise their ability to work and consequently pay child support.
If you lost your job for any reason, including a disability caused by long covid, you might be able to seek relief in these ways:
Apply for assistance
The state and federal governments offer financial relief from the coronavirus. The state of California increased financial aid during the pandemic to help support those who lost their jobs. It is also good to check if you are eligible for unemployment benefits in the case of massive downsizing or business closure.
Request a change in child support order.
You can request a modification to your child support order to reflect changes in your circumstances. Keep in mind you cannot at any time change the amount you are required to pay without the change order.
Both parents need to agree with the stipulations before giving them to the judge to sign. Without the signature of the judge, it will not be legal to change the amount of child support.
Consider talking to your co-parent first.
While it is possible that your ex may be experiencing the same situation, there is a strong chance that they have not had the same difficulties. However, even if that is the case, if you and your ex reach an agreement together, it will be much easier to convince the court to sign off on an update to the payment.
What if my co-parent does not agree to the change order?
When one parent does not agree to the new amount of child support, you will need to go to court and file a motion for modification instead of a change order.
When one parent does not agree to the new amount of child support, you will need to go to court and file a motion for modification instead of a change order. It would be wise to consult with a family law attorney before appearing in court. It’s imperative to move quickly, as modifications are not retroactive and will not apply to back payments.
