How Does Moving Out of State Affect Child Support?

When child support is involved, things can get complicated quickly for divorced parents. Issues include when to pay, how to pay, and many other steps. When one parent moves out of state, it can get even more complicated. But no matter how complicated the process seems, you need to remember that even when one parent is out of state, child support agreements are still enforceable.

How does moving out of state affect child support? To answer that question, there are a few things you’ll need to know about: the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA) and the legal responsibilities for parents in different states. Keep in mind that moving out of state generally does not affect your support obligations.

What Is the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act?

The UIFSA is an act used by all states to help simplify and manage the child support process. It helps reduce the hassle of having child support orders enforced by providing a clear mechanism for sharing information and enforcement powers. UIFSA allows states to notify other states and have existing child support orders enforced in those jurisdictions. When it comes to enforcing child support out of state, UIFSA is an essential tool.

Under UIFSA, it’s also possible to adjust the support order. The states where the parents reside may be involved in the process. However, if one parent still resides in the state where the order was initially made, that state will usually retain the power to modify the order. If neither parent lives in the state that issued the order, then the laws of the state where the children reside may control.

If you have questions about how UIFSA may apply to your situation, ask a lawyer at New Beginnings Family Law to review your case and advise you on the next steps.

Does Child Support Change If a Parent Moves to a New State?

Moving to another state does not relieve a parent of the obligation to pay child support. The parent paying support is still required to contribute out of state child support for the children’s needs such as food, clothing, medical care, education, and shelter. Any support order issued remains valid and will likely be enforced by the state the paying parent now resides in.

Your legal responsibilities don’t change by moving to another state. If you owe money for child support (or are owed money), you are still covered by the existing agreement. If you owe money, don’t assume that because you are no longer in the original state that you’re off the hook. Likewise, if you receive child support and have moved, but support has stopped coming, you may be able to recover under the terms of the original support order.

Contact a Child Support Attorney Today!

Determining the effect of rules on out-of-state child support can be a confusing and overwhelming experience for parents. The Huntsville family law attorneys at New Beginnings Family Law work hard to help parents understand and deal with the laws and the processes involved in child support.

If you or your child’s other parent have moved out of state and you have questions about child support, we can help. We’ll review your case and help you determine the next steps to take. Call us, fill out a contact form, or chat with us online today.