Your divorce was final a long time ago, bringing significant changes to your life. You may find that these changes did not really stop once you signed the papers, but instead, you’ve endured various adjustments and new circumstances since then. This is normal, as it can take years to adjust to a post-divorce life.
However, there are times when these changes have a significant impact on a person, ultimately affecting how he or she can meet divorce-related financial obligations. You may be in a place where you cannot make your child support payments or you need additional child support from the non-custodial parent. There are times when the law allows for the modification of an existing court order, providing you with the opportunity to get the chances you need.
How does it work?
Getting your child support order changed is not a simple process. You and the other parent may agree on temporary or permanent changes, but unless these changes get Indiana family court approval, they are not legally binding. When considering a petition for a modification, a court may look at various things, such as parents’ income, temporary circumstances and other factors.
There are times when it may be possible for a parent to get more in child support, or the paying parent may be able to lower his or her payments each month. Some valid reasons for a modification include:
- Loss of a job
- Newly diagnosed medical needs of the children
- Remarriage or the birth of additional children
- Relocation
- Reduction in pay
- Loss of housing
A court recognizes that child support payments should never unfairly burden the paying parent. In some cases, the court may even grant a temporary change if the parent expects to be back on his or her feet in the near future.
If you are struggling, it is always worthwhile to follow the appropriate legal steps to get the right changes instead of simply reducing your payments or declining to pay on your own.
Your legal options
Child support payments are often a source of contention and difficulty between parents. You do not have to keep fighting or trying to keep up on your own. An assessment of your case can help you understand what legal options may be available to you regarding the adjustment of your child support payments, whether these changes be permanent or temporary.
