Modifying Child Support

Before a divorce is finalized, an agreement must be reached in regards to child support.  Once a child support order has been finalized and enforced by the court, the parties involved must live up to their responsibilities.  This means the person paying child support must make all of their payments in full and on time.

While most parents have every intention of paying child support, sometimes a change in circumstances might occur that makes it difficult to keep up with the amount specified in the child support order.  In these types of situations, the parent paying child support can seek a modification with the courts. 

The courts will only grant a modification to reduce child support if the parent can prove there has been a significant change in circumstances.  This might include an unexpected job layoff, a medical emergency, a sudden illness, etc.

Modifications can also be sought by the parent receiving child support for more money.  But just like those parents wishing to reduce the amount of child support, the parent receiving child support must prove there has been a significant change in circumstances that warrants more money.  For example, the child became sick or injured and needs more medical care, the child’s education expenses demand more money, or simply the overall cost of caring for the child has gone up dramatically.