Top Tips for Obtaining a Child Support Modification

If you are required to pay child support, you know how important it is to stay current with your payments.

At some point, you may find that you are unable to make your child support payments in full and on time. If this happens, you may be tempted to pay less and hope for the best. This isn’t the approach you should take.

The right thing to do is request a child support modification from the court. There is no guarantee that the court will agree with you, but it’s the best step you can take.

Here are some tips for obtaining a child support modification:

• Take action today. Since you know you are unable to keep up with your current child support payments, you need to take immediate action. Waiting around is only going to make things worse.
• Learn more about the laws in your state. You should know the process of requesting a child support modification, including what the court will consider a reasonable change in circumstances.
• Talk to the other parent. There is no way of knowing what your child’s other parent will say about your situation until you ask. This person may agree for you to modify your child support for the meantime.
• Document your change in circumstances. The court will want to see proof that you are no longer able to make your payment in full.

In addition to all these tips, make sure you’re ready to file the necessary documents with the appropriate family law court. There is always a chance that the court could turn down your request for a child support modification, but that shouldn’t stop you from taking action. When you follow these tips and make all the right moves, you can feel better about your odds of receiving a modification. This could go a long way in improving your financial situation in the months to come.