A recent study shows that about 40% of Connecticut households are having trouble making ends meet. Even when parents have a full-time job, average wages do not seem to be enough to cover household expenses. Statistically, single parents have a harder time than households with two working adults. Filing for court-ordered child support payments can ease the financial burden of caring for children.
When a parent is working full-time to make ends meet, he or she is often faced with the cost of child care. The average cost of child care continues to increase, and parents who cannot afford daycare may wonder if they can afford to go to work. Since many parents with a steady income do not qualify for public assistance, this can be a stressful scenario.
Child support payments can help cover expenses like clothing, food, daycare and medical costs for a child. Parents should not feel guilty if they file for child support. Bearing the entire financial load of raising children alone can be impossible, and Connecticut usually holds both parents responsible for providing for mutual children, even if the non-custodial parent is not involved with a child’s daily life.
If a parent is interested in filing for child support, or modifying an existing order due to a change in financial circumstances, he or she may want to contact an experienced attorney. An attorney may be able to help a parent explore his or her legal options. Filing for child support may seem confusing, but an attorney is often able to streamline the process and help a parent make sure his or her child had the things needed to thrive.