Child support is an amount of money that a noncustodial parent provides the custodial parent to help meet the financial needs of their mutual children. This support is paid until the child turns 18, graduates high school, gets married, or is emancipated, meaning that those who separate from a co-parent when their mutual children are young can expect to pay child support for several years. After the initial child support amount is decided, it is possible for changes to occur that affect the noncustodial parent’s ability to pay. Unfortunately, when these changes occur some parents are afraid to ask for child support modification, leading some to wonder why anyone would fear to request a financially necessary modification.
Retaliation from the Co-Parent
Child support and visitation time have always been intertwined. Parents who spend a great deal of time with their children feel that they should not have to pay child support while simultaneously paying to support the child during visitations. Custodial parents often believe they are entitled to withholding parenting time from a noncustodial parent whose child support is late. Some parents are afraid to ask for a child support modification for fear of the recipient retaliating by not letting them see their child. While this is not something the custodial parent is allowed to do, it still happens and is extremely hurtful to the affected parent and child.
Afraid of Not Receiving Support
Even though Georgia uses formulas that take some noncustodial financial obligations into account when deciding child support amounts, it is possible that the noncustodial parent could feel that a newly modified obligation amount is too high. This may lead to push back in the form of not making child support, causing some custodial parents to postpone or avoid making modification requests. A parent who is heavily dependent on the child support may hesitate to ask for any increase to which he or she is entitled because the parnt cannot afford for support to stop and later resume through the aid of court intervention.
Embarrassment
Admitting to the court that you are no longer able to pay your court ordered child support or having to tell the court that you now need additional financial support from your former partner is often a humbling experience. Though it is best for you to be honest and does not reflect poorly on your parenting, requesting a modification can be embarrassing. A sense of shame and embarrassment leads to some not requesting a much needed modification, attempting to ignore the entire situation, and causes some to face extreme consequences for failing to pay their support obligations.
Contact an Attorney
Requesting a child support modification is something that you do not have to do alone. The child support modification attorneys at Vayman & Teitelbaum are here to provide you with the legal representation you need. We are able to handle all of the paperwork needed to request the modification and represent you should you need to attend a hearing. Contact one of our Atlanta, Georgia offices to schedule a consultation today.