Child support obligations may result from an uneven distribution of parenting time or significant differences in parental income. Support is mandatory in many cases where parents no longer live together and directly share daily responsibilities for their children.
The parent paying support may have less overnight time with the children or a much more established career than the other parent. When setting the amount for child support, state statutes require a review of household details, including the number of children, the income of both parents and even extraordinary expenses incurred by children with medical challenges.
Occasionally, the parent paying support might lose their job unexpectedly. Does job loss temporarily absolve a parent of their child support obligations?
Support continues during unemployment
Historically, many people have voluntarily quit their jobs or set themselves up for a termination by “quiet quitting” to avoid support obligations. Therefore, there are clear procedures in place for addressing child support while unemployed.
The state can intercept a portion of a parent’s unemployment checks to help keep their child support current. The courts may also agree to a modification hearing if the parent paying support requests a review.
A total loss of income does not eliminate the obligation to provide support. However, the courts may agree to temporarily reduce the support order based on the temporary financial hardship of the paying parent.
Both the parent paying support and the parent receiving support need to understand these rules to ensure that the children receive the care and financial support they deserve. Reviewing changes in circumstances with a family law attorney can help parents enforce or modify child support orders after a job loss.