Three Mistakes Fathers Make When it Comes to Child Support & Child Support Arrearages
The public often trivializes fathers' contributions to children's healthy development. Although fathers love their children just as much as mothers, this bias causes some fathers to fail to aggressively protect their rights due to an excessively defeatist attitude or fear of being labeled a deadbeat. Ultimately, fathers' reluctance to stand up for themselves hurts their children. Below are common mistakes fathers make with respect to child support and child support arrearages:
1. Failing to Seek Child Support Modifications When Warranted
Sometimes, events in your life can make it difficult to meet your child support obligations. Maybe you've lost your job or your expenses have increased suddenly due to an illness or an addition to your family. Some fathers get overwhelmed and don't realize they have the right to request a modification of their child support obligations. Instead of seeking help, they hope that the matter will work itself out somehow. However, this course of action can lead to large arrears that can have devastating financial consequences to fathers. The sooner fathers take action in times of financial difficulty, the better.
2. Being Overly Generous to the Custodial Parent
Fathers are susceptible to being manipulated to provide financial assistance in addition to their child support obligations due to their concern over their child's well-being. Fathers should understand that custodial mothers also have financial obligations to meet with respect to the child. Making cash gifts to custodial mothers may cause fathers to overextend themselves, which is ultimately not good for either the father or the child.
If you find yourself making extra payments to the custodial mother on a regular basis and are concerned about your child's well-being, you may need to contact a family law attorney to discuss more suitable options that won't leave you bearing an unfair share of the financial sacrifice.
3. Underestimating Your Ability to Obtain Physical Custody
Fathers sometimes believe they don't have much of a chance at obtaining primary physical custody of their child and don't attempt to obtain it even though they believe their children would be better off in their custody. However, California law has no presumption in favor of mothers, and there is no reason a mother must receive primary custody, particularly if the child is school-age and both parents work outside of the home. Instead, the key inquiry is what arrangement is in the best interest of the child.
Take Action
No matter how big you believe your problems are, we can help. We are a firm that cares about fathers' rights and will work aggressively for you and your children's interest. Contact us today for a free consultation.