How to Change Existing Child Support Orders After Divorce

February 9, 2019 in Uncategorized | MARTIN WREN, P.C. | LEAVE A COMMENT

 Family Lawyer

Sometimes, child support orders are established amidst divorce, but then changes in either parent’s lives may necessitate an update. Modification may be possible, as long as there were not terms within the child support order that mentioned changes are not permitted. Even if both you and your former spouse agree that a modification is needed, the judge must approve these changes in order for the terms to be legally enforceable.

Where to Begin

You may want to start by submitting a request to the court to hold a hearing where each parent expresses their preference for modification. In general, the court will not change the existing order unless the parent who desires the change can show proof of newly developed life circumstances. The court uses this rule to help lessen the number of child support modification requests they receive, in addition to keeping things as consistent as possible for the children involved.

Examples of Life Changes

Life may throw us curve balls once in a while, where we must rearrange our finances in order to live within our means. When a request for modification is submitted, the parent who filed must then wait for a judge to look over the application and schedule a hearing date. There are certain life changes that commonly result in an update of the child support order, including:

  • A child has suffered a medical emergency, newly diagnosed condition or disability that is serious and/or life-long
  • The paying parent is temporarily unable to pay child support amounts due to an illness, loss of job or medical emergency
  • The parent receiving child support payments has encountered a health hardship or temporary financial loss
  • Either parent has recently received additional income due to remarrying
  • Either parent has changed jobs that has a much higher or lower salary
  • Either parent is having trouble managing a previously or newly diagnosed disability
  • There has been a substantial change in the needs of the children

The Importance of Evidence

When applying for a modification in child support orders and during the hearing itself, it is crucial that the parent who filed brings forward tangible evidence of their life changes. It may be in the best interest of the parent who needs child support modification, to meet with an attorney for guidance. If a parent does not communicate his or her needs clearly or with enough supportive evidence, the request for modification may be denied. And since the court system often frowns upon parents who frequently request such changes, it is unlikely the parent will be given another chance for a very long time.

Hiring an Attorney

A parent who is struggling due to either being on the receiving or paying end of the child support orders, can benefit from consulting with an child support lawyer Rockville, MD chooses. An attorney can help you get prepared for your court hearing and answer any questions you have, so you can walk in feeling more confident.

 


 

Thank you to our friends and contributors at Daniel J. Wright for their insight into family law and child support.

Contact Our Virginia Lawyers

We serve clients throughout Virginia — from Charlottesville and Central Virginia to metropolitan Richmond; Harrisonburg and the Shenandoah Valley to Roanoke; and the cities of Hampton Roads to the Northern Virginia cities of  Fairfax, Alexandria and Arlington.

To speak with one of our attorneys, please call us at (434) 817-3100.

Our Virginia personal injury lawyers at MartinWren, P.C. have a statewide practice and offer free consultations at a time and location that is convenient for you.  We will gladly meet with you at your home or at the hospital, even on nights and weekends.

SEND US A MESSAGE

Disclaimer: Using this contact form or any page of MartinWren, P.C.’s website does not establish an attorney-client relationship.  Please do not submit any confidential, privileged, or other protected information until and unless you have completed a private consultation with a MartinWren, P.C. attorney, the attorney has informed you that no conflict of interest exists, and the attorney notifies you that the firm can take your case. By completing this form you agree that we can follow up with you by phone, email, or by text messaging.

    *Please enter your initials to acknowledge that you have read and understood the Disclaimer above:

    To schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer, please call us at (434) 817-3100.

    latest firm news