Dealing With Child Support and Alimony Struggles During the COVID-19 Pandemic
The rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has left many Americans out of work. Many have filed for unemployment benefits but are experiencing extremely long wait times. Others may have stimulus money coming their way, but for those who do not get direct deposit, there have been reported delays with checks being issued that may take a while to resolve.
Through all of this, the bills and financial responsibilities do not go away. For divorcees, this mean you are responsible for child support and alimony payments but suddenly do not have a source of income.
What should you do in such a situation?
Fulfilling your responsibilities
In general, temporary changes in financial circumstances do not qualify a person for changes in child support or alimony arrangements—even temporary changes.
However, the nature of this pandemic is completely unprecedented in modern society. Never before have we seen spikes in unemployment or business closures on such massive levels. Even though the assumption is this will only cause temporary unemployment, the effects may linger until there is a vaccine for the virus, and until people feel comfortable heading back out once the shelter in place orders are lifted.
Given the unprecedented nature of the pandemic, it may be possible to reach a compromise with the recipient of your support payments. We strongly recommend bringing the issue up to your divorce attorney to negotiate the matter.
For more information about the best way to proceed, contact an experienced Long Island divorce lawyer at Bryan L. Salamone & Associates.
Further reading about alimony in New York:
Dealing With Child Support and Alimony Struggles During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Does New York Still Have Lifetime Alimony?
Living With Your Girlfriend/Boyfriend and Plan to Marry? Why You Need a Co-Habitation Agreement
New York Courts are Giving Out More Maintenance Than the Law Ever Intended
Types of Alimony Arrangements
How to Negotiate a Fair Alimony Arrangement