• Furloughed and can’t pay child support?

    CONTACT HUNTER

  • “The world as we know it has changed, at least for the immediate future. While many businesses and schools remain closed, parents of school-age children have found themselves in the position of asking many questions about their child support. “

    -Hunter Lewis

If I am laid off or receive unemployment, does the amount of child support I pay change automatically?

Generally, no. If there is a valid child support order in place concerning your child, that order will remain in place until modified or it expires. While many people are experiencing a dramatic loss in income during the Covid-19 pandemic, the only way to ensure you do not get behind in child support based on lost wages is to seek a modification. Due to health concerns, many counties have limited court access based on recommendations of the Office of Court Administration. What this means for most people is that until restrictions are lifted, no court can hear matters unless they are designated as “Essential.” Each county has designated certain matters as essential; though, child support matters are not, generally, on that list.However, if a financial hardship is occurring that does impact your child’s wellbeing, courts can make exceptions. Something to remember throughout the pandemic is that if your future is uncertain as to employment or job opportunity, in a modification suit, child support can be modified to the date of service of the citation of the suit. Meaning, if a suit to modify child support is filed, even with the courts closed, the court does have the ability to back-date lower support payments to the date of the suit being served on the other party. Because of the complexities that can arise in a child support action, it is important to speak to an attorney concerning your next steps. Duffee + Eitzen, LLP has attorneys of many experience levels and price points to suit the needs of all clients. Feel free to give us a call or email us directly with your concerns.

If I am laid off or receive unemployment, does the amount of child support I pay change automatically?

Generally, no. If there is a valid child support order in place concerning your child, that order will remain in place until modified or it expires. While many people are experiencing a dramatic loss in income during the Covid-19 pandemic, the only way to ensure you do not get behind in child support based on lost wages is to seek a modification. Due to health concerns, many counties have limited court access based on recommendations of the Office of Court Administration. What this means for most people is that until restrictions are lifted, no court can hear matters unless they are designated as “Essential.” Each county has designated certain matters as essential; though, child support matters are not, generally, on that list. However, if a financial hardship is occurring that does impact your child’s wellbeing, courts can make exceptions. Something to remember throughout the pandemic is that if your future is uncertain as to employment or job opportunity, in a modification suit, child support can be modified to the date of service of the citation of the suit. Meaning, if a suit to modify child support is filed, even with the courts closed, the court does have the ability to back-date lower support payments to the date of the suit being served on the other party. Because of the complexities that can arise in a child support action, it is important to speak to an attorney concerning your next steps. Duffee + Eitzen, LLP has attorneys of many experience levels and price points to suit the needs of all clients. Feel free to give us a call or email us directly with your concerns.

MEET HUNTER LEWIS

10 Years of Experience, Hunter Knows Family Law & Understands Families

View Resume

  • About Hunter

    T. Hunter Lewis is an experienced Family Law litigator and appellate attorney focused on the unique needs of his clients who are facing life-changing legal matters surrounding divorce, including child custody, possession and support, complex marital property division, pre- and post-marital agreements, paternity, and LGBT issues. He is active in local and statewide Family Law organizations, holding multiple leadership positions in the Family Law Section of the Dallas Bar Association and serving on the Legislative Bill Review and Auction committees of the Texas Family Law Foundation. He also serves on the Mock Trial Committee of the Dallas Association of Young Lawyers. In addition to him being named a Texas Super Lawyer every year since 2013 by Thompson Reuters, he has been named one of D Magazine’s Best Lawyers Under 40 in the area of Family Law, selected to The Best Lawyers in America listing and is a member of The National Advocates: Top 40 Under 40. Hunter is a 2010 graduate of Baylor University School of Law. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree from Baylor University in 2007.

  • Articles From Hunter


    Duffee + Eitzen Super Lawyers 2020

    Congratulations to D+E 2020 Super Lawyers

    Congratulations to D+E 2020 SUPER LAWYERS: Melinda Hartman Eitzen– Top 50 Female, Top 100 DFW Marilea W. Lewis- Top 50 Female,...


    Duffee + Eitzen Attorneys Named to 2021 Best Lawyers ® List


    Since school is not meeting in-person, does my possession schedule change?

  • Awards

    2013-2019

  • Memberships

    • Texas Family Law Foundation
      • Legislative Bill Review Committee – 2012 – present
      • Auction Committee – 2013 – present
    • Texas Young Lawyers Association
      • Moot Court Judge – 2013 – present
    • Dallas County Bar Association

     

    • Family Law Section Member – 2010 – present
    • Family Law Section Board – Special Projects Chair – 2012 – present
    • Mock Trial Committee 2011 – present
    • Mock Trial Judge – 2010 – present
    • Collin County Bar Association
      • Family Law Section Member – 2012 – present
    • Tarrant County Bar Association
      • Family Law Section Member – 2012 – present
    • Dallas Association of Young Lawyers
      • Law Student Assistance Committee – 2013-2014
      • Mock Trial Committee – 2012 – present
    • Baylor Law School Alumni Association
      • Steering Committee – 2011 – present
    • Texas Fifth District Court of Appeals
      • Intern – 2009
    • Annette Stewart Inn of Court
      • Associate – 2011 – present
    • Pi Kappa Phi
      • Theta Kappa Alumni Chapter (Board of Directors)
    • University of North Texas (IFC Greek Advisor)
    • The Dervish Club
    • Royal Order of La Fiesta (2008-2010)

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