When income or circumstances change, a parent may want to request that the court modify their child support order. It is important to provide the court with all of the required documents to support your request for modification. If you are seeking a modification of your child support, you need to speak with an experienced Leesburg child support modification lawyer.
At Capital Family & Divorce Law Group, our dedicated attorneys understand the child support change process because we help families every day navigate the process. Contact our team today to answer your questions about child support modifications.
Reasons for Child Support Modification
In order to request a modification of child support, the parent wanting the change must show the court that there has been a material (which usually means “substantial”) change in circumstances. A change in employment may be reason to request a change if there is a 25% or more change in the parents’ income. A parent may have lost a job and is making less money or a parent may have obtained a new position and is making substantially more.
Another reason to request a modification is if there is a change in the needs of the child. The child may have additional medical needs which are more expensive or daycare needs may have changed. If a custody plan has changed, a modification may be requested. A child’s high school graduation or eighteenth birthday may impact child support and may be grounds to request a modification as well. An experienced Leesburg attorney can discuss all possible reasons for requesting a child support modification.
What is the Process for a Child Support Modification?
If a parent has a substantial change in circumstance to request a child support modification be considered, the next step in the process is to gather documentation to support their claim. Pay stubs, tax returns, medical billing statements, and proof of a change in employment can all be evidence to support a modification of child support request.
After supporting documents are collected, a Motion to Modify Child Support must be filed with the court that issued the original child support order. A copy of the documents must be served to the other parent by a process server or the sheriff’s office. A hearing will be scheduled before the court where both parents will present evidence. The court will then make a determination of if a modification is warranted based on current income guidelines. When filing a modification of child support, it is important to work with a knowledgeable Leesburg lawyer to ensure all of the relevant evidence is presented to support the request.
What Will the Court Consider When a Modification is Requested?
The court will hear evidence from both parties about a child support modification petition. Both parties’ gross income including wages, salaries, and bonuses will be considered. The number of minor children will also be considered by the court in making a modification decision. The parenting time plan will be taken into account when determining a child support modification. The court will also consider additional expenses including daycare, health insurance, or other needs of the child. It is important to have a Leesburg attorney assist throughout the child support modification process to ensure that the court has all needed information before making a decision.
Contact a Leesburg Child Support Modification Attorney Today
A request by a parent to modify child support can be a complex process. The court will hear all of the evidence to determine if a material change in circumstances exists, warranting a modification. An experienced Leesburg child support modification lawyer can assist in ensuring the court has all the necessary documents and information to support your request.
The attorneys at Capital Family & Divorce Law Group understand that financial situations can change, and it may be necessary to request a modification of child support. Our dedicated attorneys can guide you through the child support modification process. Contact us.
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