When the court orders a parent to pay a specific amount of child support, that amount might not be relevant forever. If the parent experiences a decrease in income, they might find it difficult to make the required payment. If they experience a sharp increase in income, the other parent might need more child support to ensure that the child enjoys the same standard of living with both parents. In cases like these, a child support modification is necessary.

What is a child support modification?

Child support modifications allow a parent to increase or decrease the amount of child support that they pay each month. If the parent paying child support experiences a decrease in income, they might request a modification so that they can stay on top of the rest of their bills. However, if their income increases, the other parent might request a modification to receive more child support.

A custodial parent might also request increased child support if their child's experiences have drastically increased. For example, they might request a modification if their child experienced a medical emergency and they need help paying the bills.

When should people request a child support modification?

Some courts have a limit on how often parents can request a child support modification. As a result, parents should only request a modification when it's absolutely necessary. Otherwise, they could find themselves unable to request a modification when they really need it.

How might an attorney help a family with child support disputes?

An attorney may be able to help a family dealing with child support disputes by negotiating for a fair payment between the parties. If a parent needs a modification, an attorney may help them file for a modification in court.