Reasons to modify child support
People might seek to modify their child support order for several reasons, according to the Massachusetts Court System. If any of the factors that were considered when calculating the child support have changed, it may constitute a change in the child support amount. For example, if the parenting schedule changes to where the non-custodial parent has the children more often, he or she could have their child support payment decreased. If the parent paying child support loses his or her job, is demoted or has a substantial wage increase, a modification may be in order as well.
In addition, the following life changes may qualify a person for a child support modification:
- Change in child’s need for insurance coverage, medical treatment or daycare.
- Change in health care coverage, insurance premiums or deductibles.
- Variances between the court-ordered payments and the payments required according to the Child Support Guidelines.
What to do
In a case where only one parent wants to have the child support modified, that parent must fill out and file a Complaint for Modification form, as well as a Financial Statement and Child Support Guidelines Worksheet. The other parent is served with the modification request and a court date or conference date is scheduled.
Contact an experienced Child Support Lawyer
Please contact Attorney Mike Suarez at (508) 759-1122 for a consultation to find out more about modification of your child support matter.
