How Do I Modify my Child Support?

As children grown and as life circumstances change, children’s needs may change too.  In some cases, one parent or the other loses a job.  In other cases, unanticipated medical expenses arise, making it difficult to make ends meet.  In still other cases, a child may be diagnosed with a learning disability that requires special education at a private school.  Ultimately, one of life’s truths is that we should expect the unexpected. In those circumstances, one of the parties, or both parties, may wish to modify the existing support obligation. 

If the parties have agreed upon a support obligation as part of their separation agreement, then they may modify the agreement as they wish, provided that both parties are on the same page, and are willing to do so. In that circumstance, the parties would simply need to revise and redraft the agreement to fit their current needs, and have both parties sign the updated copy.

When a modification of existing court-ordered child support is sought, however, the court must order the modification as well. In those instances, the party seeking the modification must show that a substantial change in circumstance has occurred which warrants the modification. Typically, if three years have passed and the child support guidelines have been modified based on cost of living to indicate an increase in the amount due, a substantial change in circumstances is presumed.

When less than three years have passed, however, either child support services or the court must verify that a change of circumstance for either parent occurred of a nature sufficient to render the case eligible for review. Examples of those changed circumstances might include:

o Changes in the physical custody arrangement of the children;

o   Changes in the children’s needs;

o   Significant and substantial changes in a parent’s income.

If a party is able to prevent evidence of these changes, they may qualify for review of the current support obligation and modification as warranted. Whether or not a particular change in circumstances may warrant modification is a matter to be discussed with qualified and experienced counsel, who will be able to best advise you as to your particular circumstances.

If you need to speak with an experienced family law attorney, please contact Adkins Law to arrange a consultation. 

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