Child support ensures both parents are financially contributing to their child’s upbringing.

The following tips could help you whether you receive or pay child support.

Tips for custodial parents

What to do

• Stick to a budget. Plan how you will allocate the support payments to meet your child’s needs. If you have funds left, put them into a savings account for future expenses.
• Request a support modification if your situation changes. You can request a support modification when there’s a significant change in your situation. For example, if you lose income, you could ask the court to increase the child support amount. Check your court’s specific rules about when you can make modification requests.

What not to do

• Deny the noncustodial parent visits if they miss support payments. Custody and support orders are separate. If the noncustodial parent disobeys the support order, it does not give you permission to disobey the custody order. Also, denying visits gives the noncustodial parent cause to take you to court.
• Spend support money on personal things for others. You may receive support payments, but they’re meant for your child. While you’re free to spend the money on things that benefit both you and your child (rent, gas, etc.), don’t use it exclusively for yourself or for children who aren’t named in the support order. The other parent could turn to the court or child support agency if they’re worried that payments aren’t reaching their child.

Tips for noncustodial parents

What to do

• Make support payments on time. Pay on time to ensure your child has what they need. In some states, delinquent payments collect interest, meaning you’ll owe more than usual. If you expect to miss a payment, contact your local child support office before it is due. You might be able to set up a payment plan.
• Show up for every visit. Being an active part of your child’s life is just as important as providing for them financially. Not exercising your visitation rights will not look good if you return to court. Furthermore, if parenting time is a factor in the support amount you pay, the custodial parent could request an increase.

What not to do

• Ignore child support requests. Ignoring served child support papers does not mean you’ll avoid child support. If you don’t respond, the family court can issue a judgment without your input and you might end up owing an amount you cannot afford.
• Refuse to pay support because the other parent won’t let you see the kids. Child support is the right of the child. Not paying only hurts your child as it can endanger their security. You also risk court sanctions as severe as jail time.

Article contributed by Custody X Change.

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More Resources:

• Financial Help for Pregnant Women
• WIC Eligibility

The post Child Support Tips for Parents appeared first on American Pregnancy Association.

How to Handle a Divorce While You’re Pregnant

The following tips will help expecting mothers navigate ending their marriage during this physically and emotionally demanding time in their lives:

Find out if your state will allow you to get divorced while pregnant

For example, in Arizona, Arkansas, Missouri, and Texas the courts will not grant a divorce to a married couple if the wife is pregnant. The courts prefer to wait until after the baby is born to address paternity. The court can then determine if appropriate child-related orders, such as child support, need to be included.

Surround yourself with a supportive entourage, and don’t be afraid to ask friends and family for help

It is okay to ask for help with cooking meals, household chores, childcare for your other children, or just ask for a listening ear so you can process your emotions. A strong support system will help you get through this emotionally taxing experience. Accept as much assistance as you need while you work through your divorce – to help reduce stress to yourself and your unborn baby. It is also okay to continue to ask for help after the baby arrives— don’t be afraid to ask family and friends if they can take the baby for a few hours so you can get some sleep.

Hire a good lawyer

This means finding a lawyer that specializes in family law and divorce. Because family law involves a wide range of family issues including marriage, divorce proceedings, legal custody and adoption, distribution of assets and ownership of property acquired before and during the marriage, and much more, it’s crucial to find a lawyer that has specialized knowledge. A board certified family lawyer will have the knowledge and expertise needed to navigate state laws and codes and the trials and appeals of family law cases. By hiring knowledgeable counsel, you will save time and stress because they can help you understand your rights, determine the best course of action for your unborn baby’s custody, and break down the legal jargon for you.

Create a co-parenting plan

Both parents should be involved in a child’s upbringing, so you and your partner should create a shared parenting plan that works for you. You will have a lifetime of dealing with the other side even after a divorce if you have children, so try and start on the right foot with flexibility and generosity.

Realizing that your marriage must come to an end can be devastating at any time—but even more so when you’re expecting. Having a baby is stressful, and the experience can challenge even the best of marriages. A baby’s birth usually brings about role changes, lifestyle adjustments, and financial struggles that both spouses can find frightening. As the arguments increase, the tension may build, until divorce becomes the clear outcome. While this isn’t a decision to be taken lightly, sometimes you just know that your marriage isn’t working, and pregnancy is not a valid reason to remain in an unhappy relationship.

If you are thinking about ending your relationship with a baby on the way, speak with a family lawyer about your circumstances. An experienced family law lawyer will help you understand your options and rights, now and after your baby is born.

About the Author

Kris Balekian Hayes has more than 20 years of experience practicing family law. She is a board certified family law attorney and is a credentialed mediator in all civil, family and CPS matters. Today she serves as managing partner of Balekian Hayes, PLLC based in Dallas, TX.

Website: https://bh-pllc.com/

Want to Know More?

WIC Eligibility

Work at Home with a New Baby

The post Pregnancy and Divorce appeared first on American Pregnancy Association.