Following a divorce, or even when co-parenting, it is not uncommon for one or both parents to want child support order altered, changed or modified. During modification, there are laws that must be adhered to and the parent wanting the modification must prove to the court that there has been a legitimate and significant change in circumstances since the existing child support order was put in place.
There are numerous legitimate reasons for modifying a child support order. These can include, but are not limited to:
- Change in income (of one or both parents)
- Loss of job or change in employment
- Incarceration of one parent
- Having a child in or from another relationship
- A significant change in custody status
- The needs of the child have changed
- Changes in any of the other factors that are used to calculate child support.
Should the parents be able to come to a mutual agreement, they can write it up as a stipulation and give it to the judge for signature. However, as is often the case, if the parents cannot agree on the change, one of the parents must file a motion with the court asking for a modification of the existing order. This is best handled by an experienced Los Angeles Child Support Attorney, such as the team at the Law Offices of Atousa Saei.
It is important to remember that the judge must sign a new court order and that the agreement cannot be made verbally alone. To protect yourself, even if you have a verbal agreement with the other parent to change the child support amount, put it in writing and have a judge sign it.
When going through any family law issue in Southern California, it is important to enlist the aid of an experienced Los Angeles Family Law Lawyer. Contact The Law Offices of Atousa Saei today by calling (310) 855-3386.