Late child support payments can detrimentally affect a family who is waiting on that money for food and other expenses for children. However, in this economy, some parents have lost their jobs or can otherwise not afford the payments they are required to make. Sometimes, parents who are forced to take lower paying jobs or those who are unemployed can request a judge in Georgia to lower their child support payments when a substantial change in circumstances can be documented.
While child support issues are as relevant in Georgia as anywhere else,
Illinois is currently experiencing a high level of delinquent child support
cases. From 2008 to 2010, the total amount owed in DuPage County alone
rose approximately 36 percent to more than $110 million. Statewide, the
total number of cases dropped to about 340,000, but the total amount owed
rose to about $3 billion.
The issue of child support has become a priority issue due in part to
the publicity surrounding the child support case against Rep. Joe Walsh.
He is currently accused of failing to make over $117,437 in payments over
a period of five years. The representative says he didn't make payments
because there was an arrangement between he and his that neither would
pay child support.
The issue of child support can be difficult for everyone involved. Those
who are struggling to make their payments are entitled to know their rights
under Georgia law. Changes in income can be detrimental and can make otherwise
good parents fall behind on their payments. The law may be able to assist
those who are currently experiencing difficulty in making payments, as
well as help those who are not receiving the support to which they are entitled.