Modifications of child support orders: When either parent's financial circumstances change significantly, either parent may request modification of a child support order. Common examples include situations in which the paying parent loses a job or in which the receiving parent gets a job or a promotion. It is important to file a formal request for a modification of the order rather than simply agree informally to change the child support amount. If you do not formally change the child support order, the paying parent could face unreasonable court sanctions for nonpayment of the correct amount of support.

 

Child support modification can be simple or complex, much like the original divorce process. If the ex-spouses are able to communicate amicably, modification of the orders should be relatively straightforward. However, if one parent wants a major change that the other parent does not want, a long and conflict-filled legal process may result.