Raising a child is a responsibility that requires both emotional and financial support. Unfortunately, some parents face financial challenges that make it hard to fulfill their child support obligations.
Parents must remember the importance of paying child support, even if they lose their jobs or deal with other hardships. Parents should also explore some strategies to overcome these challenges.
Budgeting and assistance
Creating a budget is a valuable tool for managing finances. Parents who struggle to pay support can start by listing all income sources and expenses. They should prioritize child support payments as a non-negotiable expense, allocating a portion of income towards it. By tracking spending and cutting back on unnecessary expenses, parents can free up funds to pay child support.
Those facing financial challenges can also look into resources that might help address some of these burdens. Government programs can provide temporary financial support. Local community organizations may also offer support with housing, utilities or job training. Data from the Census Bureau shows that in 2017, only 45.9% of custodial parents received the full amount of child support owed.
Communication and modification
Open and honest communication with the other parent can also help. Some support payers could benefit from discussing the situation with the custodial party and exploring possible solutions. Both parents should always focus on the best interests of the child.
If financial challenges persist, parents might have the ability to modify their child support order based on their current financial circumstances. By making consistent efforts to meet child support obligations, parents show their commitment to their children, even during challenging times.