Just because your divorce was finalized and you received your child support order does not mean everything is done forever. As you move on to this next phase in your life, things may change for you and your children. You or your ex-spouse could get new jobs, your children could develop new interests, or the stock market could take a tumble. Whatever it is, you could need to modify your child support payments now or in the future.
Child support payments are ordered based on the parents’ combined income at the time of the divorce. Other factors, such as the time the child spends with each parent, determine the actual amount each parent pays. If you need to modify your support because of an emergency or substantial change in circumstances, a Kent child support modification lawyer from Lutz & Associates, P.S., could assist you with notifying the Division of Child Support (DCS) and getting your case reviewed. Our child support attorneys have decades of experience with which to support you through the process.
How and When Can You Modify a Child Support Order?
In Washington, you can request a child support order modification every 24 months, or sooner if there has been a substantial change in circumstances. A substantial change in circumstances is any major life change that affects a parent’s ability to provide for the child. According to Pew Research, major changes in income often affect both parents even after a divorce since they are both still closely tied by their children. Some things the court will consider include:
- If a parent has been incarcerated
- Involuntary job loss or change in income
- Substantial change in the parent’s or child’s schedule
- The child ages into a new “bracket,” as teenagers can be more expensive than younger children
- Medical emergencies or changes in an existing medical condition, such as an existing diabetic condition worsening and affecting a parent’s ability to work
If you think you fall into one of these categories, or you have another significant reason to change your support order, you can do so through DCS. However, you should consult with a Kent attorney to ensure you follow the child support modification process correctly.
Helping You Modify Your Support Order
Your order may be based on an administrative order or a court order. Your attorney can explain the difference if you are not sure. If your support order is based on an administrative order, you must make a request in writing on DCS form 9-280b, also known as Petition for Modification. There, you need to explain why you think the order should change and the new amount you want. The attorneys at Lutz & Associates can help you complete this form and submit it to the court.
If the support is based on a court order, your petition goes to the county prosecutor in the court where you got divorced. Along with your request, you will need to submit your pay stubs, tax returns, and other financial documents. If DCS approves your case, it goes to court for a hearing.
The easiest way to get a modification is when both parties agree to the change and how much. A child support modification lawyer in Kent can work with you and your ex-spouse to reach an agreement before the hearing to help ensure that you are both happy with the new arrangement.
Get Compassionate and Skilled Legal Assistance from a Child Support Modification Lawyer in Kent
At Lutz & Associates, we have a successful record of helping our clients modify their child support agreements and get fair settlements for them and their children. We have been in the business of family law in King County since 1997, and family law is all we do.
Whatever your family legal concern, our Kent child support modification lawyers can help you by providing skilled guidance, consistent communication, and a focus on minimizing conflict. If you need help modifying a support order, we would love to connect with you. Call us at (206) 672-9291 or fill out our online contact form for a case review and legal advice about your support agreement today.
