The issue of so called Jackson Credits typically arises when one parent claims that the other parent has not paid the appropriate amount of child support. Here, the parent that is in arrears, the parent charged with owing unpaid child support, can request Jackson Credits for the time that he or she has unnecessarily had custody of the child. The basic idea is that by having custody of the child when not being required to have custody of the child, the parent has paid his or her share of child support and should get a type of credit against his or her obligation to pay child support.

Jackson Credits arose out of a case known as Jackson v. Jackson. In this case, the mother of the child charged the child’s father with not paying the required amount of child support. However, the father had 100% custody of the child. Though the previously approved child support order required the father to pay child support, the court determined that the father in this case met his child support obligation by maintaining custody of the child.

If you think you may be entitled to Jackson Credits, you may be able to request a judicial review of unpaid child support. To accomplish this, a motion must be filed with the correct court with an explanation and itemization of your child support, including the amount you have paid in child support, and evidence showing that you are entitled to a Jackson Credit.

To get the right start with obtaining Jackson Credits, it is important to contact an experienced attorney that can help you determine if you qualify for Jackson Credits and assist you throughout the process of obtaining Jackson Credits. Contact SmartLaw now to find a qualified lawyer to assist with Jackson Credits.