Creative Solutions to Child Support Obligations

From Tom Brady to P. Diddy, celebrity child support drama fills tabloid pages, but child support issues are not problems exclusive to the rich and famous! Average working Joes and JoAnnes are affected by the problem as well. Child support obligations can create stress for both custodial and non-custodial parents and because of this, millions of child support cases are handled each year. However, given our tough financial times, some parents may find it difficult to meet their regular support obligations. Here are some practical solutions which may help.

Trade

Everyone needs money. And, anyone raising children know that kids need more than lights, water and food. They need lunch money, and supplies. In lieu of money in hand, parents can opt for another parent simply purchasing goods for the child. If a parents, buys school clothes, shoes, pays the lunch account, after school care, or activity fees, which are not already part of a support obligation, this can be considered a support credit.

Discounts

Some parents may have limited resources, but the ability to get goods at a discount, through their companies, business affiliations or other means. For example, if one parents works for a grocer, they may have an employee discount which can be used to reduce an overall food or necessities bills. Consider the benefit of accessing the discounts at a military PX, SAMS Club or Cosco. This discount and membership fee can be used as a credit on a child support obligation.

Odd Jobs

Similar in trade, some parents may have specialized skills or knowledge. Mechanics, plumbers, electricians, landscapers and the like could trade labor for credit on child support. If a mother need car repairs, the mechanic can offer his services, at market cost, for a trade on his obligation. A repairman can fix falls or install appliances for value. Blue collar parents are not the only ones who can benefit. Those parents, who are accountants, can trade tax preparation fees. Some can trade time for money. A parent, who organizes, or cleans homes can trade that time to meet their obligation.

Considerations

Many parents find themselves in court for child support issues, whether these are Child Support Enforcement cases or private matters. In resolving child support disputes, courts consider more than statutory guidelines, they consider each parent's financial situations and often each parents thoughts on how child support obligations should be met. Failing to meet child support obligations can result in liens, driver license suspensions, professional license suspensions and even incarceration. In the long run, children feel caught in the middle of their parents, seemingly, financial battle. When parent consider bartering and discounts as a method of meeting child support obligations, everyone can win.

However, in coming up with these creative solutions, there needs to be an agreement about several things, including deadlines, how values will be assessed and what services/goods are to be provided. Courts can approve these modified agreements and help outline the terms as well.

Child support is not meant to be a penalty, but serves as a reminder of a parent's obligation to raise happy, healthy and production citizens. Still, when parents have child support disputes, there are many options available that can help resolve stressful support issues. Finding creative solutions in the long run helps your child maintain healthy relationships with both parents.