Losing your job could very well turn your world upside down, especially if you’re responsible for child support payments. It can be daunting to imagine what could happen if you cannot keep up with your obligations.
Don’t worry – Texas law recognizes that life can throw curveballs and provides ways to deal with temporary financial setbacks. Knowing your rights and responsibilities can make a big difference as you work through this challenging time.
What to do if you lose your job
If you’ve lost your job, taking action quickly to manage your child support obligations is important. Take a look at these strategies which may help you:
- Talk to the other parent: Let them know about your job loss and see if you can work something out temporarily.
- Get your paperwork in order: Collect proof of your job loss, unemployment application and job-hunting efforts.
- Ask the court for help: File for a temporary change to your child support order.
- Keep paying what you can: Even partial payments show you’re trying and can help you avoid falling too far behind.
Taking these steps shows you’re serious about your responsibilities and can help you as you seek relief.
Texas law on changing child support
Texas statutes do allow modifications to child support orders in certain situations. Here are some examples:
- Big life changes count: Courts often consider losing your job as a significant change that could justify modifying your payments.
- The three-year mark: If it’s been three years since your last order, a 20% or $100 difference in monthly payments might be enough for a change.
- Don’t wait to file: Changes only apply going forward, not backward, so file as soon as you can after losing your job.
- Judges look at the big picture: They’ll consider things like how hard you’re looking for work and what you could potentially earn.
Keep in mind that your current order stays in effect until a judge approves a change. While it may seem difficult, there are strategies that can help you stay on top of your obligations even while you’re unemployed.