State Budget Cuts May Impact Child Support Collections

Budget cuts in Alabama are making it difficult for state employees to collect child support funds. As it stands now, a 25 percent budget cut could take away as many as half of the programs that are designed to help children in the state. The Department of Human Resources in Alabama is threatening to cut budgets across the state. Lawmakers are already preparing for the proposed budget cuts. Commissioner N.B. told the media last week that if the budget cuts come to fruition, two programs will have to be eradicated.

Both programs - Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and financial assistance for children - could be cut in the upcoming year. If that happens, as many as 20,000 families could be negatively affected. These programs have been vital in helping children across Alabama, many lawmakers are now arguing. Without these programs and the staff that make them possible, it will be even harder to help families get the child support funds they need. Do you need help collecting child support? If so, speak with a family lawyer about your legal options and rights as a supporting parent.