Help With Child Support Changes
Our Tacoma, WA family law lawyer knows that child support orders are designed to meet a child’s needs based on the circumstances at the time they’re created. But life changes—sometimes gradually, sometimes unexpectedly. When that happens, your current child support order might no longer make sense. If your income has dropped, your child’s needs have increased, or your custody schedule has changed, you may need to request a modification.
Courts do allow for child support to be adjusted, but there needs to be a valid reason backed by evidence. You can’t just ask for a change because the arrangement feels unfair—you need to show that something significant has shifted since the order was put in place. We have 54 years of family law experience and are ready to take your call.
Common Reasons To Modify Child Support
A change in income is one of the most common reasons for seeking a modification. If one of you has lost a job, taken a lower-paying position, or had a major reduction in hours, that can impact your ability to pay. On the other hand, if the parent receiving support starts earning significantly more or receives a financial windfall, the court might consider lowering the other parent’s payments.
Changes in custody arrangements can also lead to an adjustment. For example, if the child now spends more time with the paying parent than before, or if there’s a switch in primary custody, the child support order might need to be updated to reflect that.
Other valid reasons include a child developing new medical or educational needs, or a parent taking on additional responsibilities that weren’t present when the original order was issued. The court’s goal is to make sure the support amount still fits the situation today—not the one from years ago.
How To Start The Process
If you think a change is necessary, you’ll need to file a formal request with the court. This typically involves submitting a motion or petition for modification and including documentation that supports your request. That might include pay stubs, tax returns, medical bills, or a revised parenting schedule.
It’s important not to rely on informal agreements. Even if both parents agree to a temporary change, such as reducing the payment for a few months, it won’t be legally binding unless the court approves it. Without that approval, the original order stays in effect—and unpaid support can still be collected, along with interest.
Be Ready For A Court Review
After you file for a modification, the court will schedule a hearing or review, so it is crucial to have a family lawyer by your side. Both sides will have a chance to present their arguments and provide evidence. The judge will look at the current income of both parents, the needs of the child, and how much time each parent spends with the child. Based on that information, they’ll decide whether to grant the change and what the new amount should be.
At Robinson & Hadeed, we work with parents who need help modifying their child support arrangements. Whether you’re seeking a change or responding to one, it’s important to take the right steps and be prepared. If you believe your current order no longer reflects your situation, contact us today. We are highly rated by clients on Avvo and are prepared to review your case. We’ll help you take action with a plan that supports your family’s needs.
