There are a number of ways to pay out spousal and child support expenses, depending on what works best for you and your family. Finding a payment method and schedule to work for you and your ex-spouse or co-parent can make the entire process easier and much less complicated. Determining how and when support will be paid is one of the most important things to consider, so make sure you find a process that will work for you.
When making support orders, the court or lawyer drafting the directive will typically default to arranging for support due on, or by, the first of each month. This standard tends to work for the majority of child or spousal support cases. However, some people have unique payment schedules, and may need different due dates to accommodate their income flow and paydays.
Other people may have bills due on the first of the month, which could make it difficult to pay support, rent, and any other bills after a singular paycheck. In cases such as these, the individual can request that support be made in multiple payments. For example, they may arrange for half of the payment to be dispersed on or by the first of the month, and the other half on or by the fifteenth.
The court will also consider the receiving party’s needs in setting the support due date. If, for example, the receiving party has rent due on the first of the month, he or she will need to receive support beforehand in order to make that payment. It’s in the best interest of both parties to reach a fair agreement for payment times and methods that are manageable for everyone. Finding a schedule that works can help ensure support is paid each month, on time.
As for payment methods, support was traditionally paid via a monthly check sent in the mail, but technology advancements have made other arrangements possible. In some cases, where the parties are amicable, the check could potentially be dropped off in person. For child support cases where parents see each other regularly, this could be a doable option. However, with online transfers and other simple solutions available, there are more options than ever before.
If both parties are willing to set up a direct transfer through their banks, the paying party can even set up autopay to ensure their payments are on time each month. Others may consider using different types of electronic payments, such as PayPal or Venmo. Those options need to be carefully considered because there are often certain restrictions against the type of payment or the amount paid, which could result in an account freeze. Online transfers can make support payments much more convenient, but make sure you do your research and are able to make the payments necessary without restrictions or unnecessary fees.
In the case of an income withholding order, the child or spousal support will be pulled directly from the payer’s employer, deducting the necessary amount from their paycheck to pay the receiving party. An income withholding order is typically made and scheduled in a case-by-case basis, but can typically be used as a failsafe. If both parties are in agreement, the order can either be reserved for a later date through an automatic payment, or it could be issued but only served in the event that a support payment is missed.
Scheduling support payments can be difficult, especially if both parties are unable to agree on a singular method or payment date. Contact Romanovska Law for trustworthy, experienced legal help negotiating your support payment plans.
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