Child Support Order

• A child support order is generally entered as part of a divorce decree or as part of a paternity proceeding. Child support orders state how often and how much a parent must pay for their child. Failure to comply with a child support order or to make the established monthly payment can result in serious civil and criminal penalties.
  
  

Arrangements

• Due to your difficult circumstances, you should attempt to make arrangements with the other parent if you are making payments directly to them. Explain that you do not have a job and see if you can help out with the child in other ways until you get a job. If the other parent is unwilling to accept your offer, or you are required to make payments to a third party, you will need to consider other options.
  
  

Legal Aid

• Depending on your financial situation, you may be eligible for legal aid. Legal aid will help you by providing you with an attorney who can represent you and help you seek modification to your child support order. Contact your local legal aid society to see if you are eligible for assistance.
  
  

Modifying Child Support Order

• The most effective way to deal with financial difficulty when trying to pay child support is to go before the court and seek a modification of the child support order. You can accomplish this by explaining your current circumstances to the court and asking the court to lower your monthly payments until you are able to get a better job or reach financial independence.