COVID-19 has greatly affected people’s livelihoods, both employers and employees alike. Businesses have to close down especially those that are not considered “non-essential”. On the other hand, a lot of people also lost their jobs, if not temporarily paused, due to the pandemic.

This has resulted in a rise in the unemployment rate. At the same time, it can create an impact on alimony or child support for those who are undergoing divorce. So, how can they get through these trying times? First of all, it is important to consult child support lawyers and spousal support lawyers for these concerns.

Losing your job due to COVID-19

Job loss can be one of the most devastating things that can happen to you. More so, it can twice as burdening if you have child support or alimony obligations. If this happens, you can consult family lawyers to help you with your situation. For one thing, it can be challenging to commit to an agreed support amount if you have no source of income.

If you are one of those who lost a job due to the pandemic, know that you are not alone. The US Department of Labor reported that there are more than 280,000 left unemployed last March. This can be twice as impactful if you have obligations for child support and spousal support.

How are you going to fulfill your financial obligations without a source of income? Before going to the details, you should consult divorce lawyers first. The good news is that modifications for financial support are possible especially during this ongoing crisis.

There are some things that you will need to consider to get through a financial support modification. First of all, it is not your fault. The global economy is suffering now due to the pandemic. More so, businesses have to close down to prevent the further spread of the virus.

When should you file a motion for child support modification?

You should do this as soon as you lost your job or experienced a change in income. The filing date will be the basis in considering your appeal to adjust your financial support amount. You may also have to wait for a response depending on the Court’s restrictions in relation to COVID-19.

Also, make sure to consult professional family lawyers. They can help you with the proceedings and other steps you need to take to accomplish your modification filing. In many states, there are courts that allow child support or alimony hearings virtually.

If you, as a financial support provider, have received a stimulus check from the government, it won’t affect especially child support. But if you have backlogs on child support dues, you can expect to have a reduced amount on your check. You can visit the Treasury and IRS website for further clarification.

Other things you should do

Aside from immediate filing for a support modification, you should also inform the other parent of your financial situation. In fact, it is important to inform the ex-spouse as stipulated to your child custody or alimony order. You should also inform the office of the Attorney General and the Court of any employment changes.

Also, you should discuss this crucial matter with your ex-spouse. It is important that both parties reach a mutual agreement with regards to the financial obligation agreement. Any planned changes due to financial constraints should be done within 60 days.

The computation for support obligation will also depend on the issue of underemployment or voluntary unemployment. The court will also determine whether you lost a job on purpose in an attempt to avoid giving financial obligations.

That is why you should be honest in declaring income loss or reduction as it can affect your financial obligations to your ex-spouse and children. You can consult the best divorce lawyers to help you deal with this situation.

Navigating financial loss due to COVID-19

No one was prepared for this pandemic. Everyone was caught by surprise at the expense of their livelihood. Child support and other obligations in accordance with divorce agreements are not exempted as well. That is why you should take swift actions to prevent long-term income loss in case you lost your primary source of income.

We have to navigate the fear of the unknown these coming days. We will never know until when we have to live through the ongoing pandemic. But for your legal concerns especially about divorce, child support, and alimony, you can contact top rated divorce lawyers in Fairfax VA either through online or other contact details.