What is a child support modification?

On Behalf of | Oct 12, 2020 | Child Custody |

Parents in Louisiana or other U.S. states often struggle to pay child support, especially in a fluctuating economy. If you’re finding it increasingly difficult to pay child support or you’re a parent who’s owed child support payments, you might have an array of valid questions about the child support modification process. If you’re confused about whether you should request a modification or you’re wondering how to proceed with a request, the following information may be helpful.

There are several reasons to request a child support modification. If you’re a parent who’s been ordered to pay child support, a court may allow a modification if you’ve suffered a significant change in income or a job loss. Alternatively, if you’re a parent who’s owed payments, a court might approve a modification to support extraordinary medical expenses or education costs for your child.

If you’re a custodial parent, you can request a child support modification if you have reason to believe that the co-parent’s income has significantly increased since the modification originated. You can also request a modification if your child’s financial needs have significantly increased due to an unanticipated circumstance or medical condition.

If you’re a non-custodial parent, you can request a child support modification if your income has significantly decreased. If you file for a modification, the court will thoroughly investigate your request to determine whether the decrease in your income is considered substantial enough to amend the child support payments.

Navigating the complexities surrounding the child support modification process can be overwhelming. A custodial parent who relies on regular child support payments can become frustrated whenever payments aren’t made in full and on time. Alternatively, a non-custodial parent who’s recently gone through a change in income can face difficulty making monthly payments. If you find yourself in either one of these situations, an experienced child support attorney may be able to help you better understand your options.

Archives

FindLaw Network