Adjusting Child Custody Arrangements or the Amount of Child Support
What are some typical reasons for changing child support arrangements?
The most common standard for modification of child support is a substantial change in circumstances, which usually refers to a change in income of the parent who is paying support. If the parent suffers a loss of income, that could be a basis for reducing support; conversely, if the parent’s income increases, that could be a basis for increasing support.
Changes in the child’s circumstances can be a reason for modifying support. If the child has significant new expenses such as orthodonture, special classes, or health needs that are not covered by insurance, that too can be a reason for increasing support.
Significant changes in the income of the parent seeking support also can be a basis for modification. If the custodial parent’s income drops (particularly through no fault of the custodial parent), that might be a basis for increasing support. If the custodial parent’s income increases, that might be basis for reducing support from the noncustodial parent.
When a parent experiences a financial setback, one of the last things the parent may want to do is incur more expenses by hiring an attorney to try to reduce support. But if the parent has a good reason to reduce support, the money is well spent. If the local court is user-friendly, the parent seeking to change support might try to represent himself or herself.
>>What are some typical reasons for a change in custody?
>>Once custody has been awarded, when can the other parent try to get it changed?
>>What if the child wants to live with the other parent?
>>What are some typical reasons for changing child support arrangements?
>>What happens if the parent who has custody wants to move to another state?
>>Can the parents make changes without going to court?
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*Adjusting Child Custody Arrangements or the Amount of Child Support*