Child support is a relatively common obligation when parents stop living together. The courts may require that a parent with more income or less parenting time provide financial support for their children.
The amount of child support depends on factors including the income of both parents, the number of children in the family and even the overall division of parenting time. Any significant changes in personal circumstances could have an impact on child support obligations as well.
If a parent paying support loses their job, they may not be able to provide support until they find new employment. Does the state allow paying parents to pause their child support obligations when they do not have income?
Job loss does not eliminate support obligations
Children continue to need food, shelter and other resources regardless of their parents’ financial circumstances. As such, child support obligations generally persist regardless of the employment status of the paying parent.
However, the courts may agree to reduce the amount of child support required during times of temporary hardship. A parent who lost their job can petition the courts for a child support modification.
A review of the change in their finances could lead to the courts temporarily decreasing the amount of support that they must provide. If they cannot pay the amount owed, then they may begin to accrue past-due balances and could be at risk of enforcement actions.
Both parents in the family need to understand the rules that apply when changing circumstances complicate shared parental rights and responsibilities. Losing a job can lead to a change in child support but does not eliminate the obligation for a parent to provide for their minor children.