Among the Ask a Divorce Lawyer questions answered today by Cordell & Cordell attorneys:

• Support was based on our daycare expenses but my ex has since taken the kids out of daycare. What can I do?
• How can the courts say I still have to pay child support when I don't have any income?

By Molly Murphy

Attorney

Cordell & Cordell, P.C., Jefferson City, Mo., office

As we all know, the economy has been in a slump.  Many people have lost their jobs or seen their paycheck and hours cut.  Every client or potential client I meet with asks how much child support might be. 

Most clients are horrified at how high child support can be even with their lowered income.  Many wonder how they can survive paying child support with not much left over for all of their bills.  It can be especially galling when the other parent seems to be buying new things all of the time.  (If this becomes a larger issue, ask your attorney about a Motion for Accounting of Child Support by the Custodial Parent).

So you want to know: How can I lower my child support?

Among the Ask a Divorce Lawyer questions answered today by Cordell & Cordell attorneys:

• I'm currently unemployed but will start a job soon. Is my child support determined by my current unemployed status or by my pending future salary?
• My ex came after me for child support for a child that is 14 years old and I’m not sure is mine. What can I do?
• Is it true that it is against the law to make a provision for the support of children over the age of 18?
• My ex wife filed a motion for order permitting travel to Brazil with the kids. I'm afraid she won't return. What can I do to stop her?
• How is maintenance calculated?
• The judge granted our request to dismiss our uncontested divorce. Does this mean the mediation agreement is null and void as well?

Question: How do I modify (lower) my child support payments if I've been laid off from my job? 

What's the process (if I don't use an attorney) and how long does it take?

Question: I was divorced in 1980 and ordered to pay $50 a week in child support. I have had unrelated legal problems and spent four years in jail and also spent time of welfare with my current family. 

I have been paying via forced wage attachment, income tax, etc. since 1996. I have lost jobs, been denied promotions, and had my credit ruined over this. Now my ex filed for a hearing to have arrearage payments increased to $100 a week even though our child is now 32 years old. The only income I have is unemployment at the moment. 

Do I have any recourse at all?