What if I can’t afford to pay child support?

If you are unable to pay child support in Maine, you should contact the other parent or the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). The DHHS will review your financial situation and may modify your child support amount. Depending on your situation, you could be allowed to pay a lower amount, pay the same amount in installments, or be allowed to not pay at all. If you are struggling to pay because of a job change or decrease in hours, you should inform the other parent or the DHHS about your situation. You can then meet with the other parent or a DHHS representative to discuss your options. You can also seek a court order to modify your child support amount. If you are found to have a valid reason, such as a job loss or decrease in wages, you may be able to have the court adjust your child support amount. The court will consider factors such as your income, the other parent’s income, and the needs of the children when making a decision. It is important to remember that child support is an obligation and not a choice. If you fail to pay child support, the DHHS can take various steps to enforce payment, including garnishing wages or seizing tax refunds. The court can also issue a civil contempt order if you fail to pay or even impose jail time. Therefore, if you are unable to pay child support, it is important to contact the other parent or the DHHS as soon as possible.

Related FAQs

Can a parent receive a deduction for child support payments?
What is the difference between temporary and permanent child support?
What is the difference between a terminated and a suspended child support order?
Can child support payments be garnished from wages?
Can a grandparent be responsible for child support payments?
What is the average amount of child support?
What is a pass-through payment for child support?
What factors must be considered when calculating child support payments?
What is a lump sum payment of child support?
Who is eligible for child support?

What if I can’t afford to pay child support?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts