Regardless if there was an amicable settlement or a Court determination, once your child support payments have been determined there are a few things to keep in mind. Especially if you are starting from behind, as somebody whose parents struggled with child support payments, there are a couple of notable considerations and thoughts I would like to point out as you move forward:
- The well-being of your children: Child support payments are funds paid for the financial support and benefit of your children, even if it does not always seem like it. Making sure your child is happy and healthy is the priority, and child support payments are made to ensure there are funds available to further this endeavor regardless with whom the child resides. Child support payments are determined with the child’s best interest in mind, not necessarily the financial needs of the parents themselves.
- The well-being of the other parent: Growing up with a single mother, I have seen first-hand how a lack of financial support for children can actually impact the other parent, sometimes even more than the children. The parent may need to take on another job or enroll in evening courses as a way to make ends meet. This may increase said parent’s day-to-day stress which is also felt and experienced by the children. This added stress on the parent then negatively impacts the children, including the development of physical and mental health ailments. Although tricky at times, it is best to be realistic and open to communicate when it comes to the impact of financial strain on your children.
- Your mental health: In order to be the best parent and person possible, you have to make sure that you are taking care of yourself, even if you are working extra hard to make financial ends meet. It could be helpful to keep in mind that you are also not alone, millions of people are behind or waiting on child support payments. High amounts of debt can have serious mental health impacts on everyone involved, and feelings of hopelessness only lead to more stress. Be careful not to fall in the cycle of depending only on child support payments to meet financial obligations or only one source of income to pay child support obligations, if possible.
- Risk of punishment: Should child support not be paid, there are serious negative consequences that could result. Past due child support could result in the loss of a driver’s or occupational license, loss of any tax refund, or even loss of liberty should a Judge see it fit to incarcerate the non-paying individual.. These punishments may make it even more difficult to remain employed in order to earn money and make child support payments. Other measures taken by North Carolina Support Enforcement include wage withholding and liens placed on assets.
Staying on top of child support payments is much easier said than done, but sometimes it can be helpful to remember the reasons why child support is required in the first place. There are resources for you if you cannot financially make your child support payments, and it may be advisable to seek legal advice. Remember that being a good parent is so much more than being a financial provider, but financial support is often necessary to ensure a healthy life for your children.
If you have child support questions, our Modern Legal Team is here to help.
Written by: Theresa E. Viera
