Child Support Rates Fall to All Time Low

Child support payments in America have fallen to a new low, the lowest it has been in the past three decades. This is in spite of the fact that states have increased their ability to collect monies owed to custodial parents by garnishing employment checks and wages.  This has been offset by the high rates of unemployment across the country. In addition, states have also made it easier for non-custodial parents to request and to be granted payment reductions.

During the 2009 fiscal year federal and state governments collected $26.4 billion in child-support payments. This figure is down 0.7 percent from the previous fiscal year; this is the first decrease since 1976 when records of child support were first kept.

The average child support payment in the US is $250.

According to the Labor Department the unemployment rate rose from 9.8 percent from 9.6 percent in October alone. This number reflects several factors including the underemployed, those who are either unemployed or employed part-time but wish to work full-time, who account for 17 percent of the population.

Are you finding it difficult to pay or receive child support?  If so, contact Claery & Green to enlist the help of a Los Angeles family law attorney.