A Compassionate Advocate
For Arizona Families

How to get a child support modification

On Behalf of | May 1, 2019 | Uncategorized

After your divorce is finalized in Tempe, you may find yourself required by the court to make child support payments. This will impact your budget and financial standing in a number of ways, but, after a few months, you should be able to settle in.

Sometimes, the previously court ordered child support obligation proves too difficult to keep up with. If you find yourself in this position, take the following steps to get a child support modification:

  • Don’t fall behind: Until you receive a modification from the court, you’re expected to make payments in full and on time. Neglecting to do so, regardless of your financial situation, will only make matters worse as the court will expect you to pay this money in the future.
  • Ask the other parent for help: It’s difficult to reach out to your ex to discuss your financial troubles, but it may be necessary if you’re unable to make child support payments. Their approval of a modification doesn’t guarantee that the court will agree, but it will definitely help your cause.
  • Document your change in financial circumstances: Collect evidence related to your change, such as documents showing that you lost your job or medical reports proving that you’re unable to work. The court won’t simply take your word for it. They want to see proof that your financial circumstances have changed.

Once you take these steps, there’s one last thing to do: File a formal request for child support modification with the family law court that issued your current order. The sooner you take this step, the sooner the process will begin.

If the court agrees to a modification, you can immediately begin to pay the new amount. Conversely, if your request is denied, you should gather your thoughts and collect additional evidence to back up your request.

Paying child support is not always easy at first, but don’t lose sight of why you’re doing so. The payments that you make to the other parent go a long way in ensuring that your children are in position to live the best life possible.

Visit our website for more information on child support, child custody, divorce and various other family law matters in Arizona.