Do I Have to Pay Child Support After Being Fired?

In Georgia, about a quarter of a million people lose their jobs each year. After being fired, you may feel extremely uncertain about the future. While you look for another job, you might face serious financial challenges – including child support. Do you really have to keep paying child support after losing your job? Is this fair? Could an Atlanta family law attorney help you modify your child support?

You Still Have to Make an Attempt to Search for a New Job

 Even though your prospects may seem limited after your termination, you still need to make an effort to search for new work before modifying your child custody agreement. A termination does not automatically end your child custody obligations. In the eyes of the court, you are still capable of searching for work. As a result, it makes sense to do some job searching before attempting to modify your child custody agreement.

This might not seem fair, especially if you’re living paycheck to paycheck. Without a steady source of income, you may have no way to cover your living costs while also paying child support. If you find yourself in this situation, consider benefits such as unemployment services in Georgia.

You may have no other choice but to skip child support payments while you’re searching for a new job. This should be your last resort, as skipping child support can have serious legal consequences in Georgia. Keep the other parent informed of your situation. You may be able to come to some kind of understanding. Note that if you continuously skip child support, the court may take away your driver’s license, intercept your tax refund, and take other punitive steps.

 Permanent Changes in Employability May Lead to Modifications 

If you search for a new job but cannot seem to find anything, you may attempt to modify your child custody arrangement with help from an experienced family law attorney. To do this, you will need to show the court that your previous level of income is no longer attainable under current economic and employment conditions.

For example, your career may now be obsolete thanks to new technology like AI. Perhaps the factory you worked at closed its doors, with the manufacturing process outsourced to a different country. These kinds of situations may justify a modification, and you could lower your child support obligations considerably.

That being said, the court expects you to find some kind of employment – even if it means working at a fast food restaurant until you figure out your next move.

Can a Child Custody Lawyer in Georgia Help Me? 

A child custody lawyer in Atlanta may be able to help you after you lose your job. While you cannot modify child custody on a whim, changes in employment could potentially lead to a modification. To learn more about your legal options in this situation, feel free to contact Buckhead Family Law at your earliest convenience.

 Sources:

usafacts.org/answers/how-many-people-are-laid-off-each-month/state/georgia/

childsupport.georgia.gov/