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.
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Social security denial - a journal of assistance
What Can You Do If Your Ex Has Stopped Paying Child Support?
Alexis Garcia
If your child's other parent was ordered by the court to pay child support, you should be able to depend on that money to help you cover the cost of raising and caring for your child. So, when your spouse stops making payments, it can really leave you in a bind. Here are some steps you can take to help you recover the missing child support payments from your ex -- and encourage them to pay in a timely manner in the future:
First, contact the parent.
Before you assume the worst, contact your ex and see what is going on. If they pick up the phone and are willing to have a conversation with you, then ask why you have not received the payments. They might have a completely reasonable explanation. For instance, perhaps they recently moved and the postal service has not been picking up their mail regularly. Maybe they ran out of checks and are waiting for another book to arrive. If the lack of payment is due to a situation like this, ask them specifically when they will make the payment. If you need the money immediately, see if they'll agree to meet you somewhere and give it to your in cash -- or use an online payment service.
If your ex does not have a good reason for failing to make payment or tries to brush you off when you explain that you need the money, then it's time to be firm. Remind them that they were instructed by the courts to make these payments -- and that failure to do so is a misdemeanor. If they know you mean business and will not let the lack of payment slide, they may be motivated to start paying again.
Second, contact an attorney.
If you are unable to get a hold of your ex or if they blatantly refuse to pay you the money you are owed, then it's time to get the courts involved. Contact the family attorney who represented you during your divorce or initial custody hearings, and inform them that your ex has stopped making payments. They can contact the appropriate judges and courts for you so that you do not have to worry about these hassles.
The courts will typically approach your ex and demand that payment is made. If he or she still refuses to make payment, your ex may be charged with a misdemeanor and fined. Your attorney will help you navigate this process, and in the end, you should get the child support payments that you are owed.
Contact a family law attorney for more information and assistance.
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