Life does not remain static following a divorce and circumstances change, especially as children grow and develop. Life events can make changes to a previous child support, or child custody, order necessary. A change in circumstances such as a loss of a job, a change in household income, a serious injury or a change in marital status may occasion the need for a post-divorce modification to a child support order. Parents can agree to the change or the request a change from the family law court.
Some useful tips may help parents seeking a child support modification through the process. It is important to promptly address the situation if the paying parent is having difficulty meeting child support obligations and payments. It is important to utilize family law resources and not fall behind or ignore the situation. Another option is for parents to agree to a child support modification, which also needs to be approved by the family law court, so it is essential to communicate with the other parent early on.
In general, a child support modification may be granted based on a significant change in circumstances. Either a significant change in circumstances for the child or the parent may merit a child support modification. It is useful to be informed of child support laws in the parent’s state and to be aware that either parent can request a child support modification. It is also important to use the family law process to seek a child support modification and to understand how to document a change in circumstances when seeking a child support modification.
Child support can be an important issue for a number of years for many families even following divorce. Because of this, family law resources are available to assist families and parents in different situations as the years progress and circumstances and is a resource parents should be familiar with.
Source: Family.findlaw.com, “Child Support Modification Tips,” Accessed Oct. 10, 2017
