When life significantly changes, your child support Order may also need to change. Whether you have experienced a job loss or shift in custody, or your child/ren now have greater financial needs, you may be worried about how to adjust the terms of your current child support Order to reflect your new circumstances. An experienced attorney who understands the complexities surrounding child support modifications may help you get the best outcome for your child.
At Colwell Law Group, we help parents request or respond to child support modifications through the proper legal channels. A Saratoga Springs child support modification lawyer may assist you in filing the appropriate petition, presenting clear evidence of the changes, and protecting the financial needs of your child/ren during the process.
When Can a Child Support Order Be Modified?
The Child Support Standards Act (CSSA) governs child support under the New York Family Court Act § 413. While these guidelines calculate the initial amount of child support, a parent’s circumstances may later change, requiring modification of the Order. A child support Order may be modified if one (1) or more of the following apply:
- Either you or your co-parent have lost a job
- There has been a change in the disability status of one of the parents
- The cost of raising your child/ren has increased
- Three (3) years have passed since the Order was last issued or modified
- Either parent’s income has changed by 15 percent or more
If any of these factors come into play, either parent may file a petition to request a modification. However, simply requesting a change to the child support Order is not enough—the Court will also require proof of the changes and then evaluate whether the modification is in the best interests of the child/ren. A knowledgeable child support modification attorney in Saratoga Springs, such as those at Colwell Law Group, may work through the Court system to get the best possible outcome.
How Custody and Expenses Impact Support Adjustments
If your child/ren primarily live with one parent more than the other, or if one parent has taken on more of their daily expenses, there may be justification to modify the child support Order. The Court will consider factors such as your parenting schedule, healthcare costs, and educational expenses.
Even if your custody schedule has not changed remarkably, the Order may still qualify for a modification if your child/ren’s needs have increased. For example, a modification to the child support Order may be necessary if a child/ren receives a medical diagnosis that will require ongoing treatment or if your childcare needs change because of a new work schedule.
Our attorneys at Colwell Law Group in Saratoga Springs have extensive experience presenting clear, persuasive arguments to the Court to adjust child support arrangements, ensuring they reflect the current needs of the family.
Speak With an Attorney in Saratoga Springs Today About Adjusting Your Child Support
If your financial circumstances, or those of your co-parent, have changed, it may be time to revisit your child support Order. A Saratoga Springs child support modification lawyer at Colwell Law Group may guide you through the legal process and help ensure that the final result supports your child/ren’s best interests.
Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation and learn more about how we may be able to help you modify or protect your support Order. With all the complexities surrounding child support Order modifications, you will want the support of a skilled attorney to guide you through the process.