How to Make Child Support Modifications

When to Make Child Support Modifications

There are several examples of when you might need to make modifications to your child support payments. Some of these examples include, but aren’t limited to:

• Job Loss or Change: If you lose your job or changes jobs, you might qualify for a change in child support payments, too.
• Change in Income: Similar to experiencing job loss or a change in jobs, any change in income, such as taking a lower salary or implementing your income with a seasonal job might warrant a change in child support payments.
• Marriage or Divorce: If you get married or divorced and are affected financially, you might qualify for child support payment modification.

Likewise, a parent might request a child support modification if circumstances with the child changes. Examples of these sorts of changes are similar to the aspects the court looks at when determining your child support costs in the first place, including new expenses related to the child:

• Health or Dental Care: If a child experience illness or injuries that require extensive health or dental care costs, then the court might find it necessary to modify child support payments.
• Education and Extra-Curricular Activities: For example, if the child attends a school that requires tuition or joins an after-school sport that requires the parents to pay for uniforms, it might be necessary to modify child support payments.
• Special Needs: A child might develop special needs after the court has already set child support payments in place.

Whenever any change emerges that might result in a modification of child support, document it. Take note of the reason, how much it costs, and how long it’s expected to last. The court will want to see proof and details about the change before considering modifying your child support payments and deciding exactly how to modify them, whether you’re the parent who makes or receives the payment.