Whether you can’t make child support payments because of COVID-19, a job change, an unforeseen emergency, or any other reason––you shouldn’t merely stop paying. If you stop making child support payments without notice or a probable cause, you may face serious consequences. Some of the consequences include garnished wages, property liens, jail time––and, in serious cases, felony charges. To avoid these consequences, there’s a course of action you must take. In our guide below, we’re going to discuss what to do if you can't afford child support; read on to learn more.Communicate with Your Ex-SpouseThe worst action you can take when you’re missing child support payments is none. Under no circumstances should you merely stop paying without telling your ex. A lack of communication on your part could result in your ex-spouse talking to the state or their attorney and you finding yourself summoned to court. You don’t have to provide details, but tell your ex that child support is causing a hardship due to a sudden financial change, whether that’s medical expenses or a job loss. Overcommunication is better than not communicating at all, and it might save you court time.Contact Child Support EnforcementYou should also communicate your current circumstances with your state’s Office of Child Support Enforcement. Contacting the child support agency simply covers all your bases. Of course, every divorce outcome is different, and your ex may refuse to speak with you. Speaking with your state’s child support agency ensures that legal officials are at least aware of your absence in child support payments.Consult an AttorneyWhether you want to make a formal request to lower your child support payments or believe you’re wrongfully required to pay, you’ll need an attorney. In fact, requesting lower child support payments even if one is in a good financial state is common. That said, you can only lower or eliminate payments with the aid of an attorney.To reiterate, if you’re unsure what to do if you can't afford child support, everything starts with communication. You’ll likely need an attorney at some point in the process, so be sure to hire someone with integrity who’s going to get you in and out of the process quickly. If you’re searching for child support lawyers in Illinois, few firms support their clients better than Schiller DuCanto & Fleck. Our attorneys are well-versed in family, and they take immense pride in offering high-quality legal services. Contact us today to set up an appointment.