Navigating Child Support Modification Requests
- Posted on: Feb 8 2024
In Virginia, the court calculates child support based on both parents’ income at the time of the custody hearing. However, if either parent’s income changes at some point, then the court can modify the child support order to reflect that. In this article, we discuss how to navigate child support modification requests in Virginia.
Acceptable Reasons for Child Support Modification
There are several reasons the court may approve a child support modification request, including:
Loss of a job: A child support modification request may be warranted if either parent loses their job. If the paying parent loses his or her job, then the support amount may go down. On the other hand, if the custodial parent loses his or her job, then the support may increase. However, if either parent voluntarily quits their job, then this likely would not warrant a modification.
25% or more change in income: The court may also modify a child support order if either parent experiences a significant increase or decrease in income. For example, a career change, work demotion or promotion, sale of property, or inheritance all may provide justification for a modification.
Disability or medical issues: If either parent or the child who is covered by the order suffers a serious disability or illness, then the court may modify the child support order to accommodate the situation.
25% or more increase in childcare costs: If childcare costs increase by 25% or more, then the court may modify a child support order. Examples of childcare costs include school tuition, medical expenses, daycare costs, and insurance premiums.
Update to child’s status: A child support order may also be modified if the child covered by it reaches adulthood, becomes emancipated, or graduates from high school.
Addition of children: Sometimes, a paying parent becomes responsible for additional children. When this happens, the amount stated in the original child support order could be reduced.
The Reason Child Support Modification Orders are Difficult to Change
Although there are several circumstances that justify their modification, child support orders can be difficult to change. The reason for this is that a lot goes into calculating child support orders, and this can make courts reluctant to amend them. However, the difficulties associated with modifying a child support order can be greatly reduced with the assistance of an experienced family law attorney. In addition, an experienced family law lawyer can help fight a child support modification request.
Contact a Virginia Family Law Attorney
If you need assistance with a family law issue in the state of Virginia, our experienced family law attorney is here for you. At Walker Jones, PC, our knowledgeable family law lawyers have years of experience addressing child support issues in Virginia, including requests for child support modification. So, regardless of your family law needs, you can rest assured that we have the knowledge and experience necessary to successfully address your unique situation. Please contact us to arrange an initial consultation with one of our experienced Virginia family law lawyers.
Posted in: Family Law
