Modification of Child Support
Can a child support order be changed?
Child support orders are not set in stone and may be modified if one of two circumstances exist:
- There exists changed circumstances so substantial and continuing as to make the prior support order unreasonable; OR
- The amount of support ordered to be paid differs by more than twenty percent (20%) from the amount that would be paid by applying the guidelines AND the order requested to be modified was issued at least one year before the request for modification.
What if I reach an agreement with my ex-spouse to modify child support?
If the parties agree to cooperate, financial information may be exchanged and a child support worksheet may be filed with the Court for review and approval.
What if I disagree with my ex-spouse concerning the amount of child support to be paid?
In the event of a disagreement, a party seeking to modify a child support obligation begins by filing a Petition for Modification of Support. The party seeking to modify the support order will be expected to show that circumstances have substantially changed or that the amount of support devised by applying the guidelines would differ from the previous amount by at least twenty percent.
Can I seek a modification of child support if I am the person receiving payments?
It is important to note that either parent may seek a modification of child support. For the party receiving child support, if the parent paying support earns significantly more money than when the prior support order was entered, or there has been a change in the wages of the party receiving support, modification may be appropriate. Other circumstances may justify a modification of support and need to be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
Meet with an Experienced Indianapolis Divorce Lawyer Today
Contact the Indianapolis divorce lawyers at Hollingsworth & Zivitz, PC today for more information regarding child support. Hollingsworth & Zivitz, PC serves clients in the greater Indianapolis area including Carmel, Fishers, Westfield, Noblesville, and Hamilton County, as well as Zionsville, Avon, Brownsburg, and the counties surrounding Marion County.
