November, 2018 - Child Support Specialists

Visitation

Love Originally posted on May 7, 2018

It’s almost summer and that means summer visitation for many parents. It’s important for a child to have time with each parent. Studies show a child that has both parents involved is typically happier and healthier. It’s not always possible due to any past abuse or other issues. Not all parents want to be involved. Use the opportunity for the child to have this relationship if the absent parent shows interest. Here is the Texas standard visitation

VISITATION

Thank You Letter to Dad

Dear Dad,
Thank you for all the weekends I did not see you.
Thank you for allowing me to go to school without lunch most days.
Thank you for leaving me alone during visitation nights.
Thank you for never calling.
Thank you for allowing me to be in a bad situation and doing nothing about it.
Thank you for not paying child support.
Thank you for all the times you took me fishing.
Thank you for taking me to AstroWorld (A Houston thing).
Thank you for coming to my graduation.
Thank you for showing me what kind of parent to be. I’m never mad. You made me a stronger person. I had to be. Thank you dad.

– Shannon

Child Support Is Not Enough to Pay My Bills

Originally posted on January 27, 2018

Woman holding papers.

Fast Food Cashier

You’re now receiving child support finally, but the amount is not covering the cost of living. You decide to make a call to your caseworker and she informs you that you are receiving what you are entitled to receive. Why?

Some parents believe child support should cover some or all the bills. Child support is not determined by how much you believe you need or want. The law has already determined the amount you should receive. Support is set by how many children you have and the net pay from the absent parent. Also, if he or she has other children before you.

The more money the absent parent makes means the more support for your child. It’s important to understand that if the absent parent makes minimum wage then you will not receive much in support. Pick wisely.

Child Support

Child Support During Christmas

Payments may be late during the holidays.
Payments that arrive are still being processed each day but we will have more bank and mail holidays.
The absent parent may miss work for vacation or the holidays.
The employer may miss days and not send out the payment until they return.

We suggest you try to plan for any issues. This is not always easy because you still have your normal expenses. Don’t panic if your payment is late. Missed payments almost always makes up after the New Year.

This is one of the busiest times of year for all child support agencies as custodial parents may be checking on payments more or calling to file for support. You may want to wait for case updates until a later date. Child Support Agencies get many calls right before Christmas with people filing for support in hopes to get in time. The best time to file is NOW to receive support by Christmas. You may file with us on the link below.

Things to Know About Disability and Child Support

Originally posted on August 7, 2017

Hand The obligation to provide child support does not usually cease when a parent becomes disabled. However, it’s much harder to collect support and payments normally become sporadic. Below are some things to be aware of.

SSI disability payments are made to people who have a very low income. These payments cannot be garnished for child support.
SSDI CAN be garnished to fulfill child support obligations.

Disabled parents can seek a modification of child support. The court will evaluate the nature of the disability and determine support. Always check with your state for laws in your area.

U.S. Child Support Statistics

Incarceration and Child Support

Originally posted on June 13, 2017

Jail Parents can still be held liable for child support when in jail. Child Support can look for any assets. However, it is normal for a custodial parent to not receive child support while the non-custodial parent is in jail or prison. Here is why:

An incarcerated parent who owes child support can ask the court to do one of the following:

Suspend child support orders during incarceration
Reduce child support orders during incarceration

It will then be up to a judge to decide. It will still be almost impossible to receive support if the absent parent is in prison because he or she has no income. Most agencies will not pursue support until he is out of prison. Always make sure you check with your state on this topic.

Should I Name the Father on the Birth Certificate?

I am asked this question all the time. It is important to know that it requires the father to be participating. A mother can list him on the application but he must be involved for it to make it to the actual birth certificate.

A benefit for including the father on the birth certificate is Social Security benefits. Your child would be eligible for Social Security death benefits if needed later.

Listing him on the birth certificate does not allow him to get custody. He can pursue custody or visitation regardless if he is listed on the birth certificate. He would do this legally.

How Do I Add Him To The Birth Certificate?

You would both sign an affidavit legally acknowledging him as the birth father. The hospital can provide you with the proper paperwork after the birth.

Order a Certified Copy of a Birth Certificate

How To Get a Passport For a Minor With Only One Parent

Print out the passport application.
Complete everything on the application except the signatures.
Make an appointment to meet your ex at your local passport office and bring your child with you.
Bring all of the required documentation with you, including your child’s birth certificate and your ID.
Sign the application in the presence of passport officials. (If you sign it in advance, your signature will be void and you’ll have to start over.)

If the other parent is in agreement about applying for your child’s passport but cannot accompany you to the passport office, he or she can complete a Statement of Consent and have it notarized to prove the authenticity of the signature. Once you have this documentation, bring it with you to the passport office and show it to the officials.

Child Support from a Tax Return

The absent parent may not file for taxes.
The absent parent may owe taxes and not have a return.
A parent must have an order of support and the absent parent must be behind in support.

Some parents want to know if they will receive the tax return from the new spouse also. This can be done only if the absent parent filed with the new spouse. It can’t be done if they did not file together.

Do you have an agency working for you? We strongly suggest that you do so you can receive his/her tax return for child support. It’s that time of year.

Posts made in November 2018