When a parent anticipates that they will need to modify their child support payments they should know what to do and act promptly. In some circumstances, child support may be modified so parents should understand the child support modification process.
How is child support determined?
Child support payments are made by the noncustodial parent to the custodial parent for the needs and care of the child. Child support is determined by evaluating several factors including the number of children, the income of both parents, the medical insurance costs for the child, any childcare expenses; and the number of nights the child spends with the noncustodial parent.
How may child support be modified?
A request to modify child support may be made based on a significant change in circumstances for the parent or the child. Examples of what might be considered a significant change in circumstances is if the parent loses the job or the child’s medical care expenses for their care significantly increase. Parents will need to be able to document the significant change in circumstances. Because the family law court needs to approve any change to the amount of child support that is paid, a parent who knows they will need to request a child support change should do so as soon as possible.
Child support is important to parents and to the children receiving it. Parents who are experiencing challenges associated with their child support should be aware that different options may be available through the family law system to help both the paying or recipient parent.
