For parents paying child support, there may become a point when they need to request a child support modification. Alternately, a parent receiving child support may believe the amount they receive needs to be adjusted. Fortunately, the family law process provides resources to help either the paying or recipient parent request a child support modification if needed.
Child support modifications may be granted based on a significant change in circumstances for the parent or the child. This could include the loss of a job or other employment change; parental relocation; or a medical change. The parent requesting the child support modification will need to be able to document the significant change in circumstances the requested change is based on so they should understand that process.
In addition, it is important for both parents to abide by their existing child support order until any change has been officially approved by the family law court. This is also why the parent needing the child support modification should request one as soon as they know it will be necessary. Parents are encouraged to try to work out a child support modification between themselves if possible but if it is not, the family law process is available to help.
Child support modifications may not be the only concerns and changes parents having following a divorce. Child custody and other concerns and changes may also come up as their lives change after the divorce. For this reason, it is useful for parents to be familiar with how child support modifications or other post-divorce modifications can be made if needed.
