Whether or not you and your child’s other parent were married, you still have a responsibility under the law to financially support your child. If you pay child support payments, you do indeed pay them directly to the other parent – but the method of making these payments can change depending on your situation.
What are the methods of paying support?
The logistics of how you pay child support are determined when you create the child support agreement. For example:
- A judge may establish an order that takes deductions from your paycheck
- You might make manual payments each month from your credit card or bank account
- You can set up automatic bill payments to your ex-spouse through online banking
The method often depends on many factors. If you resolve your divorce through mediation, you might establish your preferred method in the agreement. If the divorce went to court, then a family law judge may be the one who decides the method.
Another option for payment came to NC
In the last few years, North Carolina decided to allow parents to use cash transfer apps like Venmo or Apple Pay to pay child support. Many of these apps allow you to pay as well as send requests for money. Paying child support through cash apps could create ease and convenience for many people.
Can you change the process of payment?
Although adjusting the process is not necessarily modifying the child support agreement, it still requires a delicate approach. If the method is not established under a court order, then there are a few steps you can take to change the process of how you pay child support:
- Consult the court or legal counsel for your options
- Reach an agreement with the child’s other parent on the process change
- Officially update the child support agreement
When it comes to adjusting legal agreements, it is often helpful to seek guidance from an experienced family law attorney. Then you can ensure you avoid mishaps that could affect your finances and your family.