There could come a time when your financial situation takes a turn for the worse, which could change your life in many ways.
For example, if you’re paying child support when this happens, you may no longer be able to make payments in full. This leads to a sticky situation, as you’re required by law to make your payments on time every month.
It’s possible to make a child support modification request, with the idea that the court could lower your payment for the time being. If you need to make a change, here are five tips to consider:
- Act fast. You shouldn’t wait to see if your situation improves. If you know you need a child support modification you should immediately take the necessary steps.
- Inform yourself of your legal rights and how the process works. You may assume you have a good reason for receiving a child support modification, but the court has to agree. You’ll want to learn more about the process as a whole, as this could put you in position to succeed.
- Be honest with the other parent. You shouldn’t hesitate to tell the other parent that you are having financial difficulties. This could go a long way in clearing your mind. You may also find that this person is sympathetic to your situation, thus agreeing to a child support modification for the time being.
- Document your financial changes. Why are you unable to make your child support payments in full? You need to document your changes in circumstance, such as a job loss or serious illness, as the court will require this information.
- File your request. You can think about a child support modification as much as you want, but until you file a request nothing can actually happen.
You understand the importance of making child support payments in full. You also understand that this may not be possible if your financial situation changes. What steps you take when addressing situations in which circumstance changes have had impacts on your ability to pay child support can have big impacts, so being properly informed on your options and rights can be critical.
