Child support orders depend on the resources of each parent and the child’s needs, but circumstances often change. Fortunately, if your costs have suddenly increased or the parent charged with paying support starts earning more money, you can request a raise in the payment amount. Below is a brief guide for requesting a modification to your support order.
3 Steps for Increasing Child Support Payments
1. Prove a Material Change
To successfully modify a support order, you must show that your financial situation has dramatically changed since it was first issued. For instance, the other parent’s income might have increased, or you may be earning less. Serious medical issues can also provide grounds for revisiting a child support order, especially if the child will need long-term care. Before filing for a hearing, collect documentation about your finances and the expenses of raising the child.
2. Talk to the Other Parent
If you have a working co-parenting relationship with your former spouse, they may agree to higher child support payments. However, family law judges won’t enforce verbal agreements, so you should still make the new arrangement official with the court. If you and the other parent can negotiate a solution, this is as simple as submitting a single document together.
3. Request a Hearing
The process for modifying support orders varies widely from state to state. In Kentucky, custodial parents must first submit a request with their local child support office, who will review the case and decide if a modification is in order. If so, they’ll file a motion with the court and schedule a hearing on your behalf.
Modifying a child support order can be complicated and frustrating, but a skilled attorney can guide you through the process and help minimize the stress. For over 30 years, the Law Office of Michael Davidson, PLLC, has been providing exceptional service to Lexington, KY, families. To speak with a family law attorney and schedule a consultation, call (859) 225-1717. For more information about their services, visit the website.
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