If you are involved in a child support case, you and the other parent can agree on the amount of child support you will be paying. But one thing you can’t do is waive child support entirely. There is also a set amount used as a guideline, but you don’t have to agree to that amount. What you and the other parent decide can be above or below, just as long as you agree. There are specific reasons that you can’t waive child support, with the biggest one being public policy.
Public Policy and Child Support
Right now, the other parent might not need any financial help. Maybe they have a great job or significant stock market investments. But what if they fall on hard times, or something happens to cause a lot of extra expenses for the child you helped bring into this world? Maybe there is a medical issue, or the child, or other parents are in some accident. No matter what causes the problem, the other parent may genuinely need financial help for your shared child.
If that happens and there’s no child support, the obligation falls to the state. Programs like Medicaid are designed to help people who aren’t making enough money to get proper medical care or food. Child support can never be waived because it would require the state to step in and help out via Medicaid, food stamps, and related social programs. Instead, the other parent should be paying to help cover the costs of the child.
Following the Guidelines Isn’t Required
The good thing about the guidelines for child support is that they are just guidelines. You and the other parent can agree to a higher or lower amount. You can even decide on a zero dollar value if both of you are fine with that. But keep in mind that could be temporary. If the other parent’s circumstances change in the future, or yours do, you may see that other parent back in court, asking to have the child support modified to a higher dollar figure.
By agreeing to a lower amount now, you could be setting yourself up for higher payments later. You don’t want those higher payments to become a problem for you in the future when you’re trying to buy a home, invest, or begin a new relationship. It’s often better to avoid agreeing on a too low figure, even if it seems pleasant.
Ready to discuss your child support case and options? Reach out to Mohajer Law Firm today, and let’s talk about the decisions you need to make. Agreeing on child support can make things easier for you and the other parent, but only if it’s an agreement that benefits both you and your child. We can help you make sound decisions to have peace of mind regarding your child support obligation.
[yotuwp type=”keyword” id=”https://youtu.be/NIdr0_IKQAU” ]