Writing a Hardship Letter for Child Support (with Sample)
Use this sample hardship letter for child support as a template for your formal hardship letter.
Last updated on July 27th, 2022
Paying child support is a mandate by the court and necessary to ensure that a child has their basic needs met. A child is the most important priority in life, but sometimes making the child support payments as ordered is difficult. During times of hardship, a reduction or suspension of payments may be necessary.
To do so, first attempt to contact the other party and request this be done. Sometimes, if parents have a good working relationship, this can be done without going through court. However, it is most likely that the case will end up in court or at least before the Child Support Enforcement Agency.
Hard Times can Happen to Anybody!
Even the best parents fall on hard times every now and then. Whether it is the loss of a job or the reduction of hours at work, there are times when there is barely any money to live, let alone pay child support. Most states will allow a person to reduce their payment or suspend it for a specific period of time.
To do so, first attempt to contact the other party and request this be done. Sometimes, if parents have a good working relationship, this can be done without going through court. However, it is most likely that the case will end up in court or at least before the Child Support Enforcement Agency.
Hard Times can Happen to Anybody!
Even the best parents fall on hard times every now and then. Whether it is the loss of a job or the reduction of hours at work, there are times when there is barely any money to live, let alone pay child support. Most states will allow a person to reduce their payment or suspend it for a specific period of time.
While a parent should always be working, many are having a hard time finding adequate employment. Start the letter by being honest and telling what is going on. A person doesn’t want to negate obligations, but the situation is what it is.
Formal Letter
The letter should be written formally, because it could end up in court. If going to the other parent, make sure to send it certified mail so there is proof it was received. Also, make sure that there is no reason for them to get to court, should the case go there, and try to lie way out of receipt of the letter.
Formal Letter
The letter should be written formally, because it could end up in court. If going to the other parent, make sure to send it certified mail so there is proof it was received. Also, make sure that there is no reason for them to get to court, should the case go there, and try to lie way out of receipt of the letter.
Sample 1 - Hardship Letter for Child Support
Name of Mother
Address of Mother
City, State, Zip Code
DATE
Child Support Divison
Address of Child Support Divison
City, State, Zip Code
RE: Request for Child Support Review
Case #123456789
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to request an increase in the child support ordered in Case #123456789. I am the custodial parent, [Name of Mother]. I have custody of two children, [Name of Child 1] and [Name of Child 2], whose father is [Name of Father].
Child support was originally ordered five years ago, on DATE, when [Name of Father] was working at McDonalds full-time. At that time, our children were five and seven.
They are now ten and twelve, and their needs have substantially changed. [Name of Child] needs braces and clothing items that she didn't need before, while [Name of Child] has been diagnosed with ADHD and his medication is not covered by insurance.
[Name of Father] has completed a vocational training course and now works as a welder. His income has tripled since the original order was put in place. I believe he is capable of paying substantially more in support than he currently pays.
Please note that I have attached proof of my children's medical needs, as well as proof of [Name of Father]'s employment as a welder. Please contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
Signature of Mother
Printed Name of Mother
List of Attachments
Name of Mother
Address of Mother
City, State, Zip Code
DATE
Child Support Divison
Address of Child Support Divison
City, State, Zip Code
RE: Request for Child Support Review
Case #123456789
To Whom It May Concern:
I am writing to request an increase in the child support ordered in Case #123456789. I am the custodial parent, [Name of Mother]. I have custody of two children, [Name of Child 1] and [Name of Child 2], whose father is [Name of Father].
Child support was originally ordered five years ago, on DATE, when [Name of Father] was working at McDonalds full-time. At that time, our children were five and seven.
They are now ten and twelve, and their needs have substantially changed. [Name of Child] needs braces and clothing items that she didn't need before, while [Name of Child] has been diagnosed with ADHD and his medication is not covered by insurance.
[Name of Father] has completed a vocational training course and now works as a welder. His income has tripled since the original order was put in place. I believe he is capable of paying substantially more in support than he currently pays.
Please note that I have attached proof of my children's medical needs, as well as proof of [Name of Father]'s employment as a welder. Please contact me if you have any further questions.
Sincerely,
Signature of Mother
Printed Name of Mother
List of Attachments
Sample 2 - Hardship Letter for Child Support
DATE
Sam Kenny
78 Clove Leaf Lane
Chillicothe, Ohio 45601
Dear Sam:
Caring for my daughter, Elisha, has been one of the greatest blessings of my life. She has always been my top priority and I want to begin by saying that that will never change. Though I only get to see her every other weekend and on holidays, providing support to her has always been a top priority of mine.
There have been many times that I have done without to make sure that she had what she needed. She is a wonderful girl and I am proud to be her dad.
While my relationship with my daughter is great, and I understand the need for providing support, I have fallen on some hard times. Because of this financial pinch, I am forced to ask to suspend my child support payments for a period of six months, or until things improve.
As you well know, I was employed by General Corporation for 20 years and was one of the top tier employees. Sadly, top tier employees are often the ones that are cut first in times of financial crisis.
There was a round of budget cuts and I was laid off from my position on DATE. I will be fortunate enough to receive Unemployment benefits, but this will not be enough to keep a roof over my head and utilities paid, let alone paying for child support.
This layoff didn’t come as a surprise, as things were getting tight and I was able to save some back for a rainy day. I want you to know that my layoff was not because of anything that I personally did.
I always performed quality work and maintained a professional behavior at the plant. I have attached a copy of my layoff letter that also has a letter of recommendation for job hunting.
I am not the type of father who is trying to negate their responsibilities. I want to be able to provide for my child, but right now I don’t have the salary to do it with. I don’t smoke, drink, have any hobbies and I barley just scrape by.
I am currently looking for work with numerous companies and hoping to have a position soon. I am only requesting this suspension until I am able to get back on my feet. I appreciate your time and consideration in this matter. Attached is the layoff letter.
Sincerely,
Robert Stillman
By Andre Bradley
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