• 12
  • May
    2010

This economic downturn has been given a silly nickname: The "mancession." This is because, during the early part of the recession, layoffs and downsizing were shown to have disproportionately affected men. The impact on kids, however, has not been silly at all. A suddenly unemployed father often means unpaid child support. This has put many already struggling single moms in the position of being the sole source of support for their kids.

The "mancession" trend, caused by heavy job losses in male-dominated industries like manufacturing and construction, is reversing. According to a report released yesterday by Congress's Joint Economic Committee shows that, men did take the brunt of job losses during the recession - women are losing out during the recovery.

"As job losses slowed in the final months of 2009, women continued to lose jobs as men found employment," according to the report. Ultimately, one third of all job losses in this recession have affected female workers - twice the percentage affecting women in the 2001 recession.

"Women are losing more jobs, yet families are more dependent on their earnings," committee chairwoman Representative Carolyn Maloney pointed out in an interview with the Associated Press. The impact is especially harsh on single mothers, whose unemployment rate rose to 13 percent in 2009.

Communication and Court-Ordered Child Support Modifications Are Essential

If you or your children's other parent has lost a job or taken a pay cut, communication is key. The situation will only be harder financially if the loss in support is unexpected.

If you are no longer able to make your child support payments, it's essential to request a modification of your child support order from the courts. This is true even if you and your ex make an agreement on your own. Remember, Colorado's Child Support Enforcement Program and the Family Support Registry will continue to attempt to collect the full amount of your existing court order, and nonpayment could result in serious penalties.

Related Resource:

"'Mancession'? Try telling women that" (Associated Press, May 10, 2010)