Sometimes, times get tough and it’s hard to pay for child support payments. Many Texas parents find that they cannot pay both child support and the living expenses that they need to survive, especially in the current economy. For this reason, some may choose to revisit their child support agreement to see if they can alter the terms.
Such is the case for one man who is requesting to have his child support payments lowered. According to the agreement, he pays $1,227 a month to support his three sons. This child support settlement was based on his income at the time, when he earned $110,000 a year as an agriculture commissioner.
However, his employment has since ended following an investigation. He is struggling to make ends meet, especially considering his recent hip replacement surgery and other expenses. He receives $450 a month from a rental property, and his parents are able to help him with the rest of his bills. He has so far made all designated child support payments on time, but he believes that the financial hardships he is facing will limit his ability to pay for future child support.
His ex is a little more skeptical of these claims. She claims that her ex-husband can gather enough money to support himself, perhaps through his political connections. The judge is currently deciding how to decide this issue fairly.
Right now in Texas, economic times can be extremely difficult and many cannot afford the child support payments that they agreed to when they were in a better economic position. However, for those who are struggling and can barely afford living expenses, there may be ways to alter these agreements so that they are fair for both parties. As these two parents come together in court, attorneys involved should work to reach an amicable agreement that is in the best interests of the children while being fair to both parents.
Source: Lexington Herald-Leader, “Richie Farmer and ex-wife testify at child-support hearing,” Jack Brammer, Sept. 13, 2012