Child support is an important part of being a good parent to a child after you and the child’s other parent are no longer together. Contrary to the popular image of deadbeat parents who skip out on child support payments, most parents who struggle to pay child support would prefer to pay their fair share and simply can’t. The good news is that it is possible to modify your child support order with proper help.
Once you realize that your child support order is unsustainable, do not wait another day to take action. Modifying child support orders is not a fast process, and your circumstances and the courts are not likely to be understanding if you do not act quickly. The first thing you should do is gather as much documentation as you can to make the case that you need, rather than just prefer, the modification. This is most common when your income changes after your order is handed down.
Before you try formal methods of petitioning for a modification, try to come to an agreement with the child’s other parent. Even though child support is the right of the child and not the parent, this conversation can be very difficult. If you are unable to reach fair ground with the other parent, yo may try mediation to help add clout to the process. No matter how difficult your relationship with the other parent may become, it is important to keep making whatever payments you can. The court reviewing your petition will want to see that you are trying your best to provide despite your circumstances.
In order for the modification to become official, you must file the proper documents with the right court. The technical process can be very confusing, and if not completed correctly can end up leaving you right where you started. It is always wise to enlist the guidance of an experienced attorney to ensure that the proper process is followed and that your rights remain protected as you weather this difficult season.
Source: FindLaw, “Child Support Modification Tips,” accessed May 05, 2017