Child support payments are usually agreed upon as part of divorce settlements. However, if one parents’ financial situation changes, new expenses arise for the child, the child has a change in residence, or if a parent has new family responsibilities, a modification of the child support agreement may be necessary.
Decrease in Income
If one parent becomes disabled or has proof of another substantial change in their financial situation, modification of an agreement may be approved. If a parent loses their job, generally, most job losses are considered temporary changes that do not necessarily warrant modification of child support agreements. That being said, if the parent is unable to find employment over a period of time, a complaint may still be filed for modification.
Increase in Income
If one parent experiences a significant increase in income, typically 10% or more, the other parent is eligible to file a petition for an increase in child support payments to ensure that the child’s standard of living is commiserate to the standard they would have had if they lived with the other parent.
New Expenses for Child
Children have ever-changing needs. If there are increased medical expenses, expenses related to school, or cost of living increases, the parent that the child resides with could petition for a modification of the child support agreement to allot for the increase in child care expenses.
Change in Child’s Residence
If living circumstances change for the child, the parent that the child resides with could seek modification to the child support agreement to ensure that the child’s standard of living is equivalent to the standard they would have had if they resided with the other parent.
Need Help Modifying Your Child Support Agreement? Contact Our Family Law Attorneys
If you need help seeking a modification of your child custody agreement, consult with the experienced family law attorneys in St. Louis at Rogers Sevastianos & Bante, LLP today. Our attorneys provide free case evaluations and can thoroughly look at your child and/or spousal support obligations and see if your situation qualifies for a modification of the existing child support agreement.