subject: Can't Pay Your Support Because of Medical Reasons? [print this page] You may be unable to pay your child support because of circumstances beyond your control. If you have experienced a medical crisis of any kind, it can result in long-term loss of work. If your problem is the result of an accident of some type, it may even mean a permanent change in your job situation. You may find yourself in contempt of court for nonpayment. Don't get upset. You can present a strong defense when you go to the hearing. You just need to know what to do.
Bring Your Medical Records
Your medical condition or illness will have been documented, and you need to bring all copies of this with you to the hearing. You want to show not only what happened, and when, but why you can no longer work because of it. Not only will you want your records, but letters from places such as your insurance company and from your doctor stating your medical situation is genuine, will help. The court needs to see the problem is real and not something you are making up to get out of paying.
Provide Work Records
Get a letter from your boss stating how this has affected your work and verify the work you have missed. Bring any work-related documents, such as pay stubs,, that show this as well. If you are going to be able to go back to work soon, present a well laid out payment and restitution plan before the judge.
If Your Situation is Permanent
If due to an accident or illness that is not going to go away, you are going to be in this situation permanently and you will want of file a Child Support Modification Plan. This may get your payments at least lowered, if they don't get canceled all together. Remember, this is not a game to be played. If your situation is not real, you will get yourself into real trouble. But if it is, don't hesitate to use it as your defense.
Can't Pay Your Support Because of Medical Reasons?
