Financial strain is only one of the far-reaching effects the coronavirus pandemic had, and for those who are looking to file for a divorce or who already have spousal or child support obligations during the pandemic, those monetary burdens can become even more daunting.
If you feel you have been financially impacted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, a New Haven attorney can potentially assist you to reduce some of the financial hardship and further explain your options during divorce.
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted people’s jobs and their ability to work, which may cause individuals to hold off on filing for divorce to avoid the potential cost of the expensive process. Because many are currently without an income, financial obligations connected to their divorce, such as spousal or child support, can be difficult to maintain.
Further, the loss of income, either temporary or permanent, may impact a divorce proceeding and the negotiations that follow a divorce as well, which can bring uncertainty as to the outcome of the separation. To minimize frustration, a New Haven attorney can help explain the complex process and an individual’s options if they are looking to divorce their spouse during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Spousal support is based on the parties’ net income and earning capacities, so when a divorced individual loses their job, they must provide evidence of the cause of the job loss to determine the adjustments, if any, to their support agreement. It is important to note, however, that the loss of a job does not free a person from paying spousal support, but it may allow them to adjust the payments while they look for employment to substitute their income.
With the help of an attorney in New Haven, an individual may be able to address their current circumstances by adjusting their support obligations during the pandemic.
Child support is determined by the net income of the parties. However, when a party is not currently receiving income, their earning capacity will be considered and substituted for actual income in the child support guidelines. Similarly, when a party has lost their income and has no reasonable alternatives to obtain or receive any income, their child support obligation will either be reduced or suspended for a certain period of time while they secure alternative employment. An experienced lawyer in New Haven can help investigate and determine the best options to minimize coronavirus-related financial strain regarding child support.
Courts often take into consideration an individual’s hardship resulting from the pandemic. In the event that someone loses their income and has no reasonable means of making their support payments, that will be taken into consideration, but a lawyer may be able to help someone get those orders temporarily suspended or modified while they look for new income.
Filing for divorce is already a complicated process in New Haven, and with the financial impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has grown even more complex, especially if you do not have a steady income. Call a dedicated attorney to see what you can do to get the assistance you need in relieving financial hardship today.
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