LAW OFFICE OF
SUSAN CASTLETON RYAN, P.C. 
September 2009 Newsletter

PCBA Dinner - Attorney Ryan

 

PLYMOUTH COUNTY BAR ASSOCIATION'S  2ND ANNUAL WINE DINNER

On September 10, 2009, the Plymouth County Bar Association held its second annual wine dinner at Tosca Restaurant in Hingham.  Attorney Ryan, who is a member of the Plymouth County Bar Association's Social Committee, ran the event.

MY SPOUSE/FORMER SPOUSE RECEIVES SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS.  WILL THAT EFFECT MY CHILD SUPPORT PAYMENTS?
 

The Child Support Guidelines implemented on January 1, 2009, determine child support obligations.  If either or both parents receive social security benefits, these benefits are included in his/her gross income.
 
It is important to know whether an individual receives Social Security Disability Income (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).  These programs differ in many ways, including payments made to dependent children, and the time period during which benefits may be received. 
 
SSDI income is similar to an insurance program, in which a wage earner has worked and paid into the Social Security Trust Fund for a period of time. When an individual becomes disabled, he/she is entitled to monthly payments that may be retroactive back to twelve (12) months from the date of application.  The child(ren)'s entitlement to the payments come from the parent, representing that parent's past contributions. 
 
SSI benefits differ, as it is a federal income supplement program that is funded by general tax revenue and not social security taxes.  Eligibility for SSI benefits is not related to past earnings, but to help disabled individuals meet their basic needs.  There is no waiting period for benefits under SSI.  SSI benefits are retroactive only to the first day of the month of the application.
 
Individuals receiving Social Security retirement or disability income benefits are entitled to receive a dollar-for-dollar credit against his/her child support obligation for such dependency benefits paid directly to the child(ren) or to the custodial parent on their behalf.  However, if a child receives SSI benefits directly based on his/her own disability, and not as a result of a parent's need, such benefits are treated differently in determining child support obligations.  These monies should not be credited against a parent's child support obligation.  The child's own SSI benefits should be utilized for that child's benefits alone.

HOLIDAY VISITATION REMINDER
 

It is not too early to be thinking about the holidays and parenting/visitation time.  November and December will soon be upon us, and it is essential to insure that provisions have been made for important holiday occasions.  If a hearing on temporary orders has not occurred, or is not scheduled for some time, holidays should be addressed as soon as possible.  The courts prefer that you not wait until the last minute to address these important times.  Save yourself unnecessary worry, and plan ahead, so you do not have to seek such orders on an emergency basis. 
OFFICE HOURS
 
The office is now back to our regular hours on Fridays.  The office is regularly open Monday through  Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  As always, should an emergency situation arise while the office is closed, please leave a message on Attorney Ryan's voicemail, and she will return your call as soon as possible.
Issue: 10

scales of justice

In This Issue
My Spouse/Former Spouse Receives Social Security Benefits. Will That Effect My Child Support Payments?
Holiday Visitation Reminder
Join Our Mailing List
Need a Speaker?
Questions?  Comments?
 
Feel free to visit our website or email the office.
 
COMING IN NEXT MONTH'S ISSUE . . .
 
Multiple Owners, One Piece of Property, and Nobody is Getting Along.  What Happens Now?


If anyone has a topic that would be of general interest, please do not hesitate to contact the office and let us know what items would be of general interest to the readers of this newsletter.
Susan C. Ryan, Esq.
Law Office of Susan Castleton Ryan, PC
(781) 982-8850
 

This newsletter is designed to keep you up-to-date with changes in the law.  For help with these or any other legal issues, please call our firm today.
The information in this newsletter is intended solely for your information .  It does not constitute legal advice, and it should not be relied on without a discussion of your specific situation with an attorney.