This is the final post in a series of articles discussing when a father’s child support obligations may be reduced in Las Vegas, Nevada due to a reduction in income. Paying one’s child support is a responsibility that most fathers take seriously. During the COVID-19 pandemic, however, many residents have experienced temporary or permanent job loss or vastly reduced income. These circumstances make it difficult or impossible for some fathers to pay their child support obligations at the levels that were ordered before the pandemic. Rather than risk violating a support order, it may be possible to request a reduction in the payment amount to reflect one’s change in income. The goal of this series has been to provide information to assist Las Vegas fathers who are having difficulty in meeting their obligations as a result of their reduced income. If you need assistance with a child support reduction request, contact my office to speak with a fathers’ rights attorney.
This series has addressed the following topics:
- When the court will consider reducing one’s child support obligations
- How the court will evaluate such requests in light of COVID-19
- The requirement that a father must seek meaningful employment
The COVID-19 outbreak has impacted our lives in a variety of ways, including dealing a crushing blow to our economy. Until we are able to recover, fathers who have lost their jobs or are making less money should understand how this may impact their child support obligations. First, it is important to have a basic understanding of how the court will view a request to modify one’s child support. Understanding the factors and circumstances that may lead to a reduction in payments will help the requesting party in planning for their case. Second, Nevada law allows parents whose income has changed by more than 20% to request a modification in child support. Normally, the court would not consider temporary reductions, such as for seasonal employment or a short-term furlough, as a reason to modify support. In light of the widespread impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, however, judges are more likely to grant temporary reductions in support obligations until fathers find new employment or are back to work. Third, anyone required to pay child support is required to seek meaningful employment to meet their obligations. This means a father may not simply quit his job to avoid support payments. Fathers should be prepared to demonstrate their efforts to obtain employment in response to challenges to their modification request. An experienced fathers’ rights lawyer can help you understand your options and assist you with the process.
I understand how these unprecedented economic times can be devastating to a person’s financial well-being. Job loss, furloughs, and reduced opportunities can make sustaining current child support obligations impossible. My office represents Las Vegas fathers in a variety of family law issues including child support adjustments. I am ready to assist you. Contact my office today to speak with an attorney.