How To Fight Back Child Support
After a divorce, you may find that the relationship with your ex becomes difficult and strained, even if you didn’t intend for that to happen. While this may be frustrating, an even bigger concern is that the strained relationship could impact child support.
Because a court traditionally decides child support in divorce proceedings, any issues with child support have to be resolved through the courts. If you are having problems with your child support agreement and there is a back pay of child support, you should consider contacting an attorney as soon as possible.
If you’re tired and frustrated with trying to handle child support on your own, working with an attorney may help resolve your issues. Jason Campbell is a trusted child support attorney who assists with child support mediation and negotiations in the Oxford area and beyond.
Contact Campbell Law today to learn more about your options.
How Is Back Child Support Paid?
Mississippi has detailed child support laws for determining child support and when child support is due. Back child support is child support payments that are late or past due. Someone who owes child support will receive a notice in the mail that they are behind on their child support. After receiving a notice in the mail, the back child support can be paid in the same manner it’s typically paid.
There can also be situations when you are obligated to pay back child support based on the conditions before your divorce or custody is finalized or after paternity is established. The courts may be able to require back child support for up seven years prior and may include up to 8% interest,
according to the Office of Child Support Enforcement.
Back child support payments can be hefty and add up quickly to be a large amount. If you’ve been asked to pay back child support or suspect you may be required to do so, speaking with an experienced attorney may help you defend your finances from unjustified back child support claims.
What to Do if You Can’t Afford Your Back Child Support Payments
If you are struggling with child support back pay due to a change in your financial circumstances, you might be able to change the amount of child support you owe by petitioning the court.
The court may grant temporary or permanent changes to your child support, depending on the details of your petition. While waiting for a hearing and decision, you should continue paying your child support if possible. This will help show that despite going through a financially difficult time, you’re still trying to pay your child support and not just trying to get out of paying for it.
What to Do if Back Child Support Isn’t Being Paid
If you’re a custodial parent who’s been granted back child support and you aren’t receiving that child support, you may have options instead of arguing with your ex and getting nowhere.
Getting your ex to pay back child support can include a form of filing called a motion for contempt. This is the legal process of informing the court that the other party has violated the child support order agreement. If you choose to file a motion for contempt, you should consider consulting a child support lawyer. Legal proceedings could require a hearing and evidence to defend your motion. Having an experienced attorney by your side can take the stress off your shoulders and may ensure you have all the proper documents and evidence to prove your case in court.
Contact a Family Law Attorney
Issues with child support can be very complicated and difficult for all parties involved, but it doesn’t have to be. If you’re having any issues with child support, we recommend getting in touch with a trusted family law attorney.
Jason Campbell is an experienced Mississippi family law attorney who has represented hundreds of families dealing with custody-related issues. He will fight tirelessly for the best possible result for you and your children.
Contact us today to learn more about how Campbell Law may be able to help you.
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