How To Handle Child Support While On Strike

The UAW strike impacts many in the downriver area. So how should child support payments be handled while you’re on strike?

For those that are impacted by the UAW strike, they will undoubtedly see a decrease in income for an unforeseen amount of time. Because the interruption in income is temporary, many believe they do not have options when it comes to paying many of their bills, child support included.

Changing child support payments

Also, some on strike might be the recipient of child support payments. Do they have any recourse? We will examine these issues in detail in this article.

What To Do About Child Support Payments While on Strike?

While the loss of income during a strike is temporary, that doesn’t make it any less troubling. When you owe child support payments, they were calculated based on your full income. Autoworkers and others that are on strike are not receiving their full pay, so child support and other necessary expenses become much more difficult to pay.

When you have a child support order, you can file for a modification with the Friend of the Court. You must make clear the change in circumstances that necessitates the modification order. One thing to keep in mind is that child support is not retroactively modifiable. This means that you cannot claim a ‘refund’ on child support you have already paid. So the best move would be to file the modification claim as soon as you can.

What To Do If You’re Receiving Child Support and You Are On Strike?

As a recipient of child support, you have also seen a decrease in income. This change in circumstance is also temporary, but can have a negative impact on your children, as you still have financial obligations to meet, such as housing payments, groceries, and other essentials.

You can also seek to modify the child support order with the Friend of the Court. Much like those that are ordered to pay child support, you need to state the change of circumstance as the reason for the modification order. Also, much like child support payments made, these are also not retroactive, so the sooner you file and obtain the modification order, the better off you will be.

Alternatives To Filing a Child Support Modification

If you don’t want to file a modification order, there are other ways to go about modifying your child support. If you are on good terms with your child’s other parent, speaking with them about the situation could help. Often, your child’s other parent will understand the situation and be willing to help out for the good of your child.

Others have found it helpful to turn to family members for temporary assistance, especially if they anticipate a difficult time in obtaining a court-ordered modification. Family members are usually quick to help in dire circumstances, especially if they recognize that the situation is temporary and is for the good of your child.