| It's a fairly common dilemma to face. Many | | | | to notify the court of the situation. A reduction in |
| noncustodial parents find themselves unemployed and | | | | child support duties may be granted, but the party is |
| still responsible for child support payments. Generally, | | | | usually required to make a good faith effort to find a |
| even in the event that a person loses their job, they | | | | new job. Rarely are child support duties taken away |
| are still responsible for paying child support. | | | | completely and most states have a minimum |
| Many have likely heard stories of others having their | | | | payment amount. |
| driver's license taken away for failure to pay child | | | | Some courts will temporarily suspend child support |
| support or stories of messy legal battles over failure | | | | payments until the party is in a better financial |
| to make child support payments. In any case, finding | | | | position. Speaking with an experienced lawyer is |
| a qualified attorney can be the first step in obtaining | | | | important in further exploring one's options. |
| definitive answers. | | | | The process can be lengthy so it is important to act |
| Child support laws vary from state to state and the | | | | quickly, especially if the noncustodial parent expects |
| laws governing cases in which the noncustodial parent | | | | to be without work for an extended period of time. |
| loses his or her job may vary slightly in each state as | | | | The parent who lost his or her job should file for |
| well. Therefore, it is important to consult with an | | | | unemployment and actively seek new employment |
| experienced attorney in one's state for accurate | | | | to show the court that they are trying to find a new |
| information. | | | | job to better their financial situation. |
| After contacting an attorney, the next step is usually | | | | |