Modification and Enforcement of Alimony and Child Support Orders during Covid-19

Modification and enforcement of alimony and child support orders in Connecticut are likely to be an inevitable outgrowth of the unfolding situation in Connecticut.  The current COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected the employment and income of many people in Connecticut.  Working hours have been reduced, employees have been laid off, and small and closely held businesses are watching revenue sputter while they do what they can to weather the storm.  The situation appears far from resolved and is likely to have repercussions for a long time to come.  Each day the market rockets up, or rockets down, taking investors’ life savings along for the ride.

This may be a particularly urgent time for those with existing alimony and child support orders, either as payor or recipient.  One the one hand, alimony and child support can be more important than ever so that the recipient is able to make ends meet.  On the other hand, the payor may no longer be able to afford the existing orders due to suffering substantial financial adversity.  Court orders remain in effect unless and until they are modified, and parties engaging in “self help” before a modification formally occurs are liable to be penalized as a result.  It may be the case, though, that performance of the previously existing financial obligations is simply no longer possible.  Whichever side of this issue you find yourself on, having experienced counsel to guide you through this difficult time can be critical.

Consulting with an experienced family attorney sooner rather than later may be of great assistance in planning how to address these matters as they arise.  In many cases, taking immediate steps may help protect your rights for the eventual determination of your claim.

Westport Family Lawyers pursue modification of Alimony, Child Custody, and Child Support Orders and Enforcement Claims for Clients in Greenwich, Westport, Darien, New Canaan, and Wilton

The attorneys and staff of Needle | Cuda remain available to assist clients and prospective clients during the COVID-19 outbreak.  We understand and have experience with both sides of modification and enforcement claims.  We offer a variety of consultation and communication options in order to continue to provide effective representation while being sensitive to the current circumstances.