4 tips for child support during the holiday season

The holidays are when parents tend to focus on paying monthly bills on top of the added expenses of the season. For those who are paying child support, this can be a challenge. Even during the hustle and bustle of the season, it is imperative that support-paying parents insure they are adequately meeting their child support obligations.

Here are some tips that you might find helpful now, as well as throughout the year:

• You must still pay on time. Failing to pay child support as the Court orders can lead to criminal issues. You don’t need these during the holiday season.
• Never withhold child support payments unless you are told to do so by the Court. Even if you don’t think the other parent is using the money properly, don’t quit paying. Document the issues that you have and find out if you need to do anything about it.
• Discuss possible delays and other issues directly with your ex. Never use the kids as messengers. The children don’t need to know about the details of child support issues that are going on.
• Remember that memories don’t have to involve material things. You might not be able to buy your children the most expensive gifts, but you can still have fun with them. Have a night in with hot chocolate, holiday movies and popcorn or read a book with them while wearing matching pajamas.

Ultimately, you can’t let having to pay support for your children impact your relationship with them. If you truly have a problem with paying due to your circumstances, you might need to seek a modification of the order.