According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, many service members struggle to enter the civilian workforce after leaving the military. For some service members, their military service is the only career they have ever had, and they may have no idea how to apply for jobs. In addition, a veteran might have no experience on their resume beyond military service. If you face these challenges after exiting the military, you might struggle to pay child support in Georgia. Can you modify your child support agreement?
You May Need to Modify Custody First
If you want to modify your child support payments after ending your military service, you might need to modify your child custody arrangement first. If you’re ending your military service and spending more time in the civilian world, you probably have more time to care for your child. If so, you might want to pursue shared custody.
Not only does this allow you to form a closer bond with your child, but it may also reduce your child support obligations. If you and your ex earn approximately the same income and share parenting duties equally, there may be no legal justification for child support.
A return home from military service may constitute a “change in circumstance,” and this may allow you to modify both physical custody and child support obligations. Speak with an experienced lawyer to learn more about these possibilities.
What if I Can’t Find a Job After Returning to Civilian Life?
If you struggle to find work after exiting the military, you might struggle to continue paying your child support. This is a relatively common experience for many service members who re-enter civilian life, and it could allow you to modify your custody agreement.
That said, the court expects you to genuinely attempt to find a job before petitioning to end child support. You might need to attend many job interviews and send out numerous resumes over a period of several months before the court accepts that your employment situation is dire.
Discuss Your Situation With the Other Parent
You might want to have a private discussion with the other parent about your situation. You might not need to go to court to resolve this issue, and ADR methods like mediation or collaborative law could prove useful. Depending on your circumstances, your ex might be willing to pause or reduce your child support payments until you find reliable work.
Contact an Experienced Child Support Lawyer in Georgia
If you are struggling to find employment after leaving the military, child support can be a major source of financial stress. After months of job-searching, you might have no choice but to modify your child support arrangement. An experienced child support lawyer in Georgia may be able to help, and you can contact Lankford & Moore today to learn more about your options.
