Child Support Increases and Decrease

Child Support Modification Process

If your circumstances have changed, your order may be eligible for review and modification. Renken Law Firm, PLLC is familiar with what is required and how to pursue a modification of your monthly child support obligation.

Eligibility for a Payment Modification 

Your child support order is eligible for modification only if one (or more) of the following is true:

• The order was established/last modified more than three years ago.
• The monthly amount of the child support order differs by either (a) 20% or (b) $100 from the amount that would be awarded, according to child support guidelines.

OR

A material and substantial change in circumstances has occurred since the child support order was last set.

What is a “Material and Substantial Change in Circumstances”? 

In relation to receiving a modification, this phrase applies to one of these situations:

• The noncustodial parent’s income has increased or decreased.
• The noncustodial parent is legally responsible for additional children.
• The child’s (or children’s) medical insurance coverage has changed.

OR

The child (or children) are now living with a different parent.

How Long Before a Modification Takes Effect? 

There is no typical timeframe for modification. Contact Renken Law Firm PLLC as soon as modification eligibility occurs.  You have to modify the court order for child support to be reduced or increased, it does not happen automatically. You must be proactive.  Contact us and we can evaluate your case.