Is it possible to have custodial parent sign some sort of order to suspend child support?

Question

I owe a ton of child support (like 3 grand) and I need the child support orders to stop so I can catch up with payments. I live in Maryland. I heard in some states the custodial parent can suspend the order, is that true? If so, what is required?

Answer 1

I doubt it. Why should they... can your children stop eating till you get out of debt?

Answer 2

Is she going to agree to do that?  I honestly don't think a judge would order that.

Answer 3

If you have a life change where you don't make the same amount of money, you can put through paperwork to show that and the judge will lower the amount you are required to pay monthly but this does nothing to back owed, it will however slow down the cycle of building debt. But if you happen to make more money than when the child support was first ordered, this will not turn out in your favor.

The most you can do for back owed child support is pay a certain amount over the required monthly payment and slowly slowly if you are consistent it will go down.

The custodial parent can close the case and open it up again later if the case is through a child support agency (I did this when my ex and I got back together to try one more time and we lived together)  but I have never met a custodial parent who is willing to do that just to help out the noncustodial (and non-paying) party.

Answer 4

My guess is no probably not able to just suspend it bc then it could be in court alot...on then off then on.....so the only way I know of is by signing away all rights to the child...and sometimes that doesnt even work...so just do your best to get caught up....and you can call a child support lawyer and get a free consultation maybe they can help you!

Answer 5

I don't know, is it possible to have children stop eating, needing housing, clothes and health care why you catch up on your support?  I'm not sure if it's true, but I hope not.

Answer 6

Not true.  The support is the right of the child's to receive.  The custodial parent receives and spends it on the child's behalf (to contribute to putting a roof over their head, food in their mouth, clothes on their backs, take them to the doctor, etc...).  I'll admit that I don't know the law in every state in the union, and may not be current for Florida anymore.. it's been awhile.. but what you're asking doesn't make sense to me, anyway.

If you are behind, then ask the custodial parent to waive payments on the arrears.  That can be accomplished quite easily by consent agreement (consent court order)... unless the money isn't owed to the CP by virtue of them having received public assistance for your child.  If the $ is owed to the state, she/he can't do anything.  If it is owed to them personally, then they can agree to suspend payments, and you can pay resume payments on the arrears later on.  The current obligation (for current ongoing child support) will not stop until the child is no longer a minor,  or until graduates high school prior to age 19.. or whatever the law in Maryland or your divorce decree stipulates.