Court orders for child support can be in effect for many years, in most instances not terminating until the child reaches 18. When circumstances in the lives of the parents and child change, so will the costs of raising a child and each parent’s ability to meet the child’s financial and emotional needs.
Consequently, over the course of time, parents subject to a child support order may seek to change or modify the terms of the order. Even though parents may agree to alter the terms, such informal agreements are usually ill advised and not sanctioned by the court.
If you want to modify the terms and conditions of a child support order, you must file your request with the court, specifying the change you seek, and state the change or changes in your circumstances that warrant the modification.
An attorney who practices and is knowledgeable about child support law can assist you in many ways. A child support modification attorney will: