Divorce itself is complex and becomes more expensive if children are also involved. Based on the financial situation of you and your spouse, you might be required to pay the child support. The expenses of divorce and child support will ruin the finances of a guy altogether. It would be best if you kept yourself educated about the child support mistakes to avoid. Always be cautious about the debts or late payments.
In the present situations, there are many misconceptions about the flaws of the child support system. It is easy for you to fall behind the payments and arrears. You have to consult a divorce attorney when the arrears are getting accumulated and see if there is a possibility for a child support debt consolidation.
Biggest Child Support Mistakes to Avoid
1. Hiding or Lying about Income
Hiding or lying about your income during divorce is a mistake that most common child support mistakes committed by fathers. Never hide income from the court, even if it is a part-time job. Judges can get angry if they find that you lied about the income and held you in contempt of court. You will also be liable to pay the interest along with child support.
2. Payments Made in Methods Not Approved by Court
While making the child support documents, the courts will list some of the payment modes that are accepted by everyone. Even for couples who have taken divorce in a friendly manner, it is your best interest to make the court-approved methods and protect yourself.
For example, if you and your ex have made a friendly agreement for paying the amount directly. But for instance, there is disagreement on money transfer after some time. Then there is a chance that your spouse can go to court saying that you have not paid in the court-approved methods.
3. Not Reporting Changes in Income
The most common child support mistakes committed by most of the dads are not reporting the changes in income and financial circumstances. Child support always depends on the amount of income that you are earning. If there is cut in you pay or lose your job or any other unexpected things happen, then you should be file for a modification in child support.
Child support matters are tricky, and you need to consult a men’s divorce attorney to make the necessary changes based on the income you earn. In most cases, it takes time to adjust the changes, and so you need to act with a sense of urgency to convince the court.
Child support modifications are not retroactive, and the new orders can go way back to the date on which the request for change was filed.
4. Continuing Payments After the Age of Emancipation
It is common for most of the divorced dads to think that child support stops after your child attains a certain age. But it is not true. The payments will continue unless you take action on it. Further, it is hard for you to get back the amount that is paid in extra, as your ex might spend the money.
It is advised to consult an experienced attorney, as the age of emancipation changes from state to state. You need to know which state you live on and make sure that you understand the laws of your state.
Contact Your Men’s Divorce Attorney for Help
Child support is crucial for any father, and you need to be careful while making decisions and payments. For questions related to child support, contact Alice pare, a men’s divorce attorney in Germantown, Maryland, for help. You can Call at (301) 962-2492 or book an appointment online for a free consultation.