The Social Security system is in place to help us through difficult times. Unfortunately, there are some instances in which the system makes our lives even more difficult than they need to be. The day I received the denial letter for my claim, I wasn't sure what I was going to do. After talking with a few friends, I contacted a lawyer. That was the best decision I had ever made. Even with the professional assistance, getting the denial overturned and getting the money that I was owed took several months. I have kept a clear journal of my experience and loaded it with information that can help others get through what can be an impossible time.
-
Navigating The Realm Of Estate Planning Lawyers 23 February 2024
-
Signs that You Need a Vehicle Accident Claim Attorney 22 January 2024
-
Understanding Social Security Disability Lawyers 19 December 2023
Social security denial - a journal of assistance
Non-Custodial Parents: If You Are Thinking About Or Have A Verbal Child Support Agreement ~ Read This
Alexis Garcia
Are you a non-custodial parent who has made a verbal agreement with the custodial parent of your child to modify your support payment amounts? If so, there are a number of things that you need to be mindful of for your own protection. This is because verbal agreements can be a tricky legal situation.
Child Support Order
Sometimes parents never petition family courts for child support orders. When this occurs, non-custodial parents may make payments directly to the custodial parents and amend as they choose. However, when a family court judge makes a child support order, parents should not assume that they can verbally agree to something different. The process needs to go back to family court in the form of a petition. It is not common, but the judge could still deny the child support modification request even if the parents agree with each other.
Documentation
If you do not have a child support order and have an agreement with the custodial parent, ensure it more than a verbal agreement. You should get the agreement in writing. This is because the custodial parent might still petition the court or apply for government benefits and deny that they are receiving support for the child. Some states pursue the non-custodial parents for repayment of government benefits. These complex circumstances are why it is best to handle child support matters in family court.
Proof of Payments
One mistake that some non-custodial parents make is that they make child support payments in cash. Even if you and the other parent are amicable, it does not mean that it will always be the case. Ensure that you pay with a cashier's check, personal check, or money order. If there is a support order, you may be able to make payments directly to the court to be disbursed to the custodial parent. Another option is to make payments directly to the parent with the requirement that they sign a receipt as proof of payment.
Legalities
It is important to understand that proving a verbal agreement is difficult if one person decides to be deceitful. This is why everything pertaining to child support should go through the family courts including modifications. If you make a verbal agreement for a lesser amount and it is not documented in court records, you could end up being held in contempt of court for arrears because from a legal standpoint the payments made were less than what the judge ordered. A family lawyer, like Lisa Cappolella Attorney at Law, is a good resource to use for child support matters.
Share