Child support arrears create hardship

Question:

I am paying $416.00 a month for arrears in child support, my ex-wife also filed a civil suit for arrear child support adding on to what I am paying now . My daughter and I have a loving relationship and grandson, I am really having a hard time with the DHS garnishment plus this civil case for $125.00 more added to this. I am a recovering addict and blessed with a job for the VA hospital in my state . I am re married and trying to do the right thing . HELP please I need some insight on what I can do. thank again.

Jim's Reply:

There are two options and two options only. You can make the payments that you've been ordered to make. That's the best option and if you're actually trying to "do the right thing" as you say you are, it's the only option. The other option is to return to the court that has jurisdiction over all this and ask that court for a modification of the orders you're currently under. But to be honest, it doesn't sound like you have a great track record so whether or not the court will give you a break is debatable. A word of caution: Not timely paying our court ordered debts will only make our future worse, these are debts that never will go away. If the state decides to come after you they can make life miserable. I've been divorced, I had all the obligations and for nearly 20 years I lived in a state of near poverty, until my obligations ended. That's how it goes and I'd advise that you embrace it.