Child Support in case if I lost my Job

Hello, recently I receive a PIP from my employer and I am really worried/stressed about my job as I am on the verge of losing my job. I am not sure if I am able to beat that PIP, but I am doing my best.
So, my question is what if my employer let me go

  1. Do I still have to pay child support? as my child support payment is really high more than $1400. I don’t think I am able to pay this amount.

  2. What can I do in this scenario?

I have always been paying my child support payments on time.

Thank you for your help!

(1) Yes, you still have to pay child support even if you lose your job or your income changes.

(2) If child support is in a court order, you can file a motion to modify child support based upon a substantial change in circumstances affecting the wellbeing of the minor children. The judge may be able to temporarily reduce your child support obligation after a hearing/trial, however there can be no findings of bad faith on your part. This is sometimes a difficult motion to win.

You should be doing everything you can to replace your income ASAP if you lose your job.


Anna Ayscue

Attorney with Rosen Law Firm Cary • Chapel Hill • Durham • Raleigh • Wake Forest

Rosen Online | Unlimited confidential access to a North Carolina attorney for $199/mo - click here

The response posted above is based upon the limited factual information made available and is not intended as a full and complete response to the question. The only reliable manner to obtain complete and adequate legal advice is to consult with an attorney, fully explain your situation, and allow the attorney sufficient opportunity to research the applicable law and facts required to render an accurate opinion. The basic information provided above is intended as a public service only, a full discussion with an attorney should be undertaken before taking any action. The information posted on this forum is available for public viewing and is not intended to create an attorney client relationship with any individual. These answers are provided for informational purposes only, a person should consult with their own individual legal counsel before taking any action that could affect their legal rights or obligations.

I lost my Job in October, I paid CS 2 times after that. I am still looking for a job but no one is hiring as of now because the Christmas holidays are coming. I am currently unemployed with no source of income. I am not able to afford CS for next time, what can I do? Please guide me, Thanks!

If you pay child support pursuant to a court order, then you will need to file a motion to modify child support and show a substantial change in circumstances affecting the wellbeing of the minor children.

If the motion is granted, it is possible to get a modified temporary child support order for a finite period of time in order to address your loss of income assuming the loss of income is not due to bad faith on your part.


Anna Ayscue

Attorney with Rosen Law Firm Cary • Chapel Hill • Durham • Raleigh • Wake Forest

Rosen Online | Unlimited confidential access to a North Carolina attorney for $199/mo - click here

The response posted above is based upon the limited factual information made available and is not intended as a full and complete response to the question. The only reliable manner to obtain complete and adequate legal advice is to consult with an attorney, fully explain your situation, and allow the attorney sufficient opportunity to research the applicable law and facts required to render an accurate opinion. The basic information provided above is intended as a public service only, a full discussion with an attorney should be undertaken before taking any action. The information posted on this forum is available for public viewing and is not intended to create an attorney client relationship with any individual. These answers are provided for informational purposes only, a person should consult with their own individual legal counsel before taking any action that could affect their legal rights or obligations.