Child support is a complex issue, which can be made even more complicated when the amount that a person must pay changes. There are a number of common misunderstandings surrounding child support payments and the modification of those court-ordered arrangements.
Most often these changes occur because one or both parent’s finances have changed as a result of matters that are not within their control. The following will review some of the important things that parents should remember regarding making changes to child support.
Even Though Situations can Change, Child Support Might Not
Even though one or both parents’ financial situations change, this does not mean that child support obligations will change. Instead, court orders are required to change support.
There are a number of situations in which a parent might feel that child support amounts should be changed, but for one reason or another, they are not. An experienced family law attorney can help you create strategies to respond in these situations.
Courts can Change Child Support if You Lose a Job
If you lose your job as a result of a factor that is beyond your control, law in the state of Georgia affords you the right to immediately file a petition to modify your child support obligation.
If a parent in Georgia loses this or her job, the parent’s child support obligations will stop only once a request for modification is served on the other parent and approved by the court.
How Promotions can Affect Child Support Obligations
Provided that a paying parent has received a substantial increase in wages, it might be possible to increase the amount of the paying parent’s child support obligations.
As a result, it is important for parents who receive support to inform their lawyer if they learn that the other spouse has received a promotion.
How Getting Married can Affect Child Support Payments
In most cases involving child support modifications, a parent must establish that there has been a substantial change in income or a change in either parent’s financial status following the date of the support order.
If your former spouse can demonstrate that your new marriage resulted in an increase in your income and finances, there is a good possibility that your child support obligations might also increase. It is important to understand, however, that remarriage can also sometimes result in a decrease in the paying parent’s financial obligations.
A Divorce Finalization Does Not Mean Support Orders are Locked
Merely because a divorce is complete does not mean that a child support order is written in stone and will never be changed. Instead, it is important to anticipate that the nature of child support payments can change.
If you consider the unique factors that are involved with your divorce, you will likely have an even better idea of how support payments might change over time.
Speak with an Experienced Divorce Attorney
Child support is just one of the many nuanced areas involved in the divorce process. If you have questions or concerns about how to navigate this process, you should not hesitate to speak with an experienced Georgia family law attorney.
Contact Vayman & Teitelbaum P.C. today to schedule a case evaluation.