Coronavirus has brought about an unprecedented time, leaving many who have lost their jobs or their income wondering whether child support payments will be affected. The answer is that it will depend on your specific circumstances. The analysis can be fairly complicated, especially now that Congress has passed the CARES Act.
No, child support will not automatically change if a parent loses their job due to COVID-19. If you lose your job or are furloughed and can no longer pay, you must go to court to get the order modified. Until then, you are legally obliged to continue payments. Failing to pay court-ordered child support can result in dire consequences.
If it is the Division of Child Support (DCS) that set the child support order, they may have the ability to change it depending on how big of a change there has been to your income. DCS offices are currently only available by phone, at 1-800-422-KIDS (5437).
Yes, a child support order in Washington can be modified in one of the two following ways:
Filing a case to modify child support should be completed immediately after a change in income since child support cannot change retroactively. However, due to COVID-19, most court buildings in Washington are operating under emergency modifications and are shut down or closed to the public. As a result, there will likely be a lengthy delay before a judge can rule on the matter, which means no immediate relief. Depending on where you are located, some jurisdictions make it easier than others to file a modification request. Reach out to an attorney to discuss your options.
The one-time stimulus check from the federal government, termed the “economic impact payment,” pursuant to the CARES Act will most likely not be a factor when calculating child support. This is due to the checks legally being considered a tax credit, being advanced from the future 2020 tax return. Unless, the federal government is aware that you are behind in child support payments, then the check can be reduced.
Unemployment benefits, on the other hand, do factor into the obligor’s net resources when determining child support.
Do everything you can to make payment on at least a portion of the amount of child support you owe. If at all possible, try to work out an arrangement or alternative payment plan with the other parent. If agreement cannot be reached, then court intervention will likely be necessary.
Any amount left unpaid will be considered a support debt, which can be collected by the parent it is owed to for a minimum of 10 years past the child’s 18th birthday. Once you begin working again, you can voluntarily make payments on the outstanding debt.
To learn more and get the help you deserve, call our child support lawyers or reach out to Twyford Law Office online by visiting our contact us page.
We serve in King County and Spokane County in Washington and its surrounding areas. You can also visit our offices. We are conveniently located in Seattle, Spokane & Bellevue:
Twyford Law Office – Seattle Office
814 Second Avenue, Suite 515,
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 590-7085
Twyford Law Office – Spokane Office
430 W Indiana Ave,
Spokane, WA 99205.
(509) 327 0777
Twyford Law Office – Bellevue Office
1408 140th Pl NE Suite 400,
Bellevue, WA 98007
(425) 517-3350