The Do's and Don'ts After a Car Accident

Four Life Changes That May Reduce Your Child Support Agreement

27 April 2016

Yvonne Russell

Child support agreements may seem both confusing and overwhelming. Though they are often determined on a preliminary basis early on, they can be adjusted for a variety of reasons—and an individual will often need to advocate for themselves in court in order to get the agreements changed. Unless the individual requests a change in child support, it isn't likely to occur. Here are a few reasons why an individual may be able to change their child support amount.

1. A Medical Emergency Or Injury

If an individual has been injured to the extent that they cannot work, their income has been reduced, or paying their child support would be an undue hardship, they may be able to get their child support amount temporarily reduced. An emergency modification of the agreement can be procured for those who need immediate relief from their payments, such as those who need to be able to pay other, high-priority bills. 

2. A Change In Job Or Career

It's commonly believed that a change in job or career won't necessarily change child support amounts because child support is calculated based on the "potential" income of the supporting individual. However, this isn't necessarily true. While family courts do look unfavorably upon those who are not earning their potential, an involuntarily loss of work or an uncontrolled loss of income can (and often is) be the basis for a child support modification. 

3. Change In Status Of The Other Parent

If the other parent begins making substantially more money and their household situation changes, the child support agreement may either be lowered for the individual paying child support or may even shift entirely if custody is being shared 50/50, depending on the state of residence. In some states, the parent who is making more money is the one who has to pay the other the difference. If the status quo changes, so does the support payment.

4. The Needs Of The Child Has Changed

Child support is all about the needs of the child. A child support agreement may be adjusted higher if the child has specific needs, such as medical treatments or a school tuition. If the child no longer needs these medical treatments or has switched to a lower cost school, the agreement may be altered. 

The calculations that go into determining child support can be difficult to understand. It's usually a good idea for individuals to procure a lawyer for their unique situation as soon as possible.

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