Often, once a divorce is finalized by the courts, it is over. There is no need to revisit the issues that may have led to the dissolution of the marriage. However, if children are involved, then there may be ongoing matters related to both child support and visitation. New York families may have reason to seek revisions to either in the event their circumstances may have changed.
Support and visitation rights are two issues that seem to generate more conflict than most other matters concerning the raising of children. Life circumstances never remain static, and as a result, it may be necessary on occasion for one parent or the other to seek revisions in the amount of child support that has been ordered. Unemployment, long-term illnesses or an increase in other expenses may make an increase or even a decrease in ordered support a reason to ask a court to make an adjustment in the order.
On the other hand, problems between the parents may lead to turmoil in visitation rights. It has been claimed that even the wardrobe choices of a parent and child can cause problems with the non-custodial parent. However, when both parties are engaged in the raising of children, there is a higher probability that both sides will agree on both support and visitation. Parents who are involved in the day-to-day life of their children are also more apt to make timely support payments, eliminating the need for enforcement measures. Ultimately, having both parents involved in their lives is beneficial for the children, regardless of any separate child support issues.
Ideally, both parents will be able to meet their obligations concerning child support and court-ordered visitation agreements. However, life is far from perfect, and emotions can sometimes lead people to behave in ways that may be less than the ideal. Families living in New York may desire more information when making decisions that involve their children in order to arrive at the best solutions for all involved. There are resources that may provide beneficial guidance when a family is experiencing any type of major change.
Source: dailyprogress.com, “Child support, visitation separate issues“, Robert Legge, July 18, 2014
