Divorce brings a host of changes for any family, and those changes rarely cease with the final decree. After the settlement of child support orders in a divorce or separation, they may be subject to various modifications as time goes on.
There are a number of circumstances that may increase or decrease the amount paid by either parent, many of which involve financial or lifestyle changes in one or both households.
Income changes
Child support orders go through a modification when one or both parents experience a significant change in income, whether it is a pay increase or a decrease in salary.
Changes in childcare needs
What children need in order to be happy, healthy and successful often shifts over time. A child may require extra healthcare, childcare or educational expenses at different ages and stages in his or her life.
Employment changes
Changes in employment often have a considerable effect on the financial status and lifestyle of one or both parents. The loss of a job, a promotion or a shift to another position, provided there is a significant change in circumstances, all warrant modification to a support order.
Custody or visitation changes
The amount of time that parents spend with their children dictates the amount of child support paid by either parent. If that time increases or decreases, so does the child support agreement.
In order to determine a fair and legal amount in a child support modification, parents should request an official, written change through the courts. The courts will then examine the change in circumstances and determine a new support order.