If you’ve never been inside a courtroom, it can feel as though you’ve stepped onto another planet. When you face unfamiliar surroundings, it can cause you to feel nervous and stressed, which makes it even more difficult to navigate the circumstances. This is why it’s always best to seek clarification of Kentucky laws ahead of time and to discuss any issue that causes you concern. If you expect to pay child support, it’s critical that you understand how the process works as well as what regulations may impact your situation.
Depending on the state of your relationship with the other parent, things may go as well as can be expected or become a contentious battle, especially if you’re trying to handle things on your own that you’re not really equipped to handle. As a good parent, you want what’s best for your children. That doesn’t mean you have to sit back and do nothing if someone tries to undermine your rights. Knowing how to access support is key to obtaining a fair and agreeable child support plan.
Pay attention to court order details
The court is the ultimate voice of authority in all child support and custody-related matters in divorce. You and your former spouse may negotiate a plan then submit it to the court for approval; however, the court always has the final say. The following list includes facts regarding child support orders that may influence your actions in a particular situation:
- The typical child support order includes important issues in writing, such as the names of the parents involved, who will pay and who will receive, as well as form of payment, amount, and when and how payments should be transmitted.
- Most court orders also include penalties that may ensue if you or your spouse does not adhere to the terms of the court order.
- Penalties for not paying court-ordered child support may include wage garnishment or interception of tax refunds.
- In certain circumstances, you may face felony crime charges if you fail to fulfill your child support obligations.
- The only time you can modify your child support payments is when the court grants permission to do so; otherwise, no matter what type of financial crisis or change of circumstances you experience, you must keep making payments on time.
- If something happens to make your child support payments no longer feasible, either temporarily or permanently, you may petition the court to grant modification of the existing order.
If you become ill or injured and can’t work, or something else happens that causes serious financial crisis in your life, not being able to keep up with child support payments doesn’t make you a bad parent. If you take advantage of support options available, you can remain in good standing with the court and also seek the change you need to help you get things back on track.