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

If you can’t afford to pay child support, you should contact the court or the state Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). In Washington, the DSHS enforces child support orders to ensure that the non-custodial parent pays. They can also help with setting up payment arrangements and collecting payments. If you can’t make your full payment, you should contact the courts immediately so that they can review your payment plan and make any adjustments necessary. You may be able to have your payments reduced, or have the payments deferred until a later time. You must prove to the court that your financial situation is valid and that you are unable to pay the current amount. If you are still having trouble paying, you can also request a modification of your support order through the court. This means that you can ask the court to amend your current order, and allow you to make a lower payment. The court may limit the modification to a certain period of time, or may make the modification permanent. The court will take several factors into consideration when determining whether or not to modify your support order. These factors include the financial means of both parents, the needs of the children, and any other relevant factors. It is important to note that failing to pay child support can have serious consequences, including wage garnishment and even jail time. Therefore, if you are facing difficulty paying child support, it is important to contact the courts and/or DSHS to discuss your options.

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

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