This is the final post in my series explaining how Brevard County Courts handle issues in which a Melbourne parent has stopped making court ordered child support payments. Throughout this series I have attempted to provide relevant information regarding a number of scenarios that I frequently see in family law cases. I felt it necessary to write on this topic as support is something which often causes conflict and confusion between parents. If you are involved in a dispute then you should contact counsel immediately.
Topics which I have covered during the course of this series include:
- The consequences that come with not timely paying child support
- Why it is important to communicate with your payee if you will be late making a child support payment
- The importance of asking the Court for a modification immediately if one has lost a job or a source of income
- Why it is not legal for a custodial parent to withhold visitation until child support is up to date
Throughout the course of these articles I have stressed a number of things. One, the importance of communication between parents is crucial. While child support is often a source of tension and resentment between parents, the peace can often be kept by keeping the other one informed about what is going on. If a payment is late, or a parent has lost a job, it is important to let the other know as soon as possible. Two, if is important to make any changes through the Court system. Parents should never make a verbal agreement to alter child support payments temporarily or create a long term payment plan without a Judge signing off on the agreement. The reason being that such an agreement would not be legally binding. Finally, I have stressed the importance of following all Court Orders to the letter. Paying child support is not optional and very real consequences exist for noncustodial parents who treat the payment casually.
If you are a parent who is owed, or who owes child support, and have a question about your situation then it is important to consult an attorney immediately. Contact my office today to speak with a Melbourne child support attorney. My office also services clients in the Brevard County cities of Titusville, Cocoa, Palm Bay, Grant, Valkaria, and Rockledge, as well as in the Indian River County areas of Fellsmere, Sebastian, Vero Beach, Indian River Shores, and Orchid.