Child support modifications may be necessary if you are facing a job loss, serious injury, change in marital status or other event that effects your household income. If you cannot make your child support payment, you must request a child support modification with the appropriate court.
Temporary modifications can be granted for situations such as a medical emergency involving either the child or parents, temporary loss of employment, or a temporary change in child custody.
Permanent child support modifications may be granted if a parent’s circumstance changes on a permanent basis. This may be a result of remarriage, a change of employment, a long-term decrease in income, disability and more.
If you are having trouble meeting your child-support obligation due to unforeseen circumstances it is important to act quickly to secure a child support modification. Continue to make your child support payments to the best of your ability until the modification has been granted to avoid falling into arrears. If possible, contact the other parent to discuss your changed circumstances to see if he or she will agree to a modification to expedite the modification process.
In order to have the modification granted, you must be able to demonstrate a significant change in your ability to meet your obligations. To this end, maintain documentation of changes in income or benefits, medical records reflecting periods of disability and associated costs, your efforts to secure new employment etc. to paint a clear picture of your circumstances for consideration by the court.
If you have questions regarding a post decree modification, child custody and visitation, or other family law matters, contact the Law Offices of Ronald L. Bell for help.