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High Unemployment Complicating Child Support for Divorced Parents
As the recession continues, financially distressed divorced parents are increasingly turning to the courts for child support payment modifications.
March 06, 2010 /Personal Finance PR News/ -- High Unemployment Complicating Child Support for Divorced Parents
As the nation continues to grapple with a recession fueled by high unemployment, financially distressed divorced parents are increasingly turning to courts for relief from child support payments.
Across the country, family courts have seen a surge in petitions to modify child support payments. The problem is made worse as more people face long-term unemployment: approximately 40 percent who become unemployed stay that way for six months or longer.
Here in Florida, unemployment has continued to rise -- hitting 11.8 percent in January -- even as the national rate decreased slightly to just under 10 percent.
Men have been hit disproportionately hard by the fall in manufacturing and construction. That's crucial because in the vast majority of cases, children spend more time with their mothers, leaving fathers responsible for most child support.
When the economy was humming along in past years, most requests for modifications were from parents asking for increases in support. Last year, that trend reversed, as most petitions were from parents seeking a decrease in the amount they had to pay in child support.
Even when the economy is doing well, child support can be a contentious issue between divorced parents. Parents who have their children more frequently commonly lament underpayments, late payments, missing payments and difficulties in getting support orders enforced. According to the Census Bureau, just under 63 percent of all child support owed was paid in 2007 (which was before the recession hit).
On the other side of the child support issue are those responsible for paying, who frequently complain that they're forced to pay too much, and that child support payments go into the pocket of the former spouse rather than for child-related expenses.
Both sides of the problem are feeling squeezed by the current recession. The parent receiving support needs help paying the bills (and might well also have problems finding or keeping a job), while the parent providing support is often hurt by unemployment or reduced wages or hours.
If you face difficult child support issues, speak to a Florida family law attorney or divorce lawyer who can explain the law regarding child support modifications and help you understand the best option, given your personal circumstances.
Article provided by Tamara K. Holden PA
Visit us at www.floridadivorcelawyer4u.com
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