Child support payments are a necessary evil in society. With the number of divorced and unwed parents on the rise, it’s inevitable that there will also be a spike in court-ordered child support claims. If you ever find yourself in this position, here are five tips that will make the process of claiming your child support easier for all parties involved.
Treat the Process Seriously
The best way to get someone to respect the child support process is to treat the process seriously. What this simply means is that you can’t be casual about late payments. They are due on the assigned date, and when it’s not received that is considered a violation. Immediately inform the payer in writing through registered mail that they are late.
Involve the Local Child Support Authorities
This process should not be tackled alone. It’s always best to get your local child support enforcement agency involved.
Keep Detailed Records
Record keeping is a must — especially if payments go straight to you and not through an agency. So keep an accurate accounting of all payments, and give the payer a receipt.
Involve the Other Parent in the Process
A great practice is to occasionally let the other parent know what you’re doing with the money. This isn’t required by law, but they may appreciate you showing them that the money is being spent on the child and not on your own personal whims. Oftentimes, that’s the perception, and it discourages the other parent from wanting to pay. Counteract that by being open with how the money is benefitting the child.
Leave Your Children Out of It
It’s always a temptation to drag your children into the fray by threatening to withhold payments. Resist that urge. Not only does it make the situation volatile, but it’s also against the law. Remember, it’s always in your best interest to keep the courts on your side.
The Final Outlook
In all honesty, collecting child support can be a downright hassle. But with the right attitude, and a spirit of cooperation, it can be handled in a way that’s agreeable to bothparties. At the end of the day, both sides have to remember that this is about the child’s welfare. When the child remains the focus, the process becomes that much easier. –dewayne rogers
