How to Receive a Child Support Modification
March 18, 2010 by admin
Filed under Child Support
There are many things to consider when filing for child support modifications. You should start by checking your particular state for various guidelines. For example: In Ohio an obligor or obligee can apply for a modification every 36 months. One of the things you can do is to try to resolve the issue before involving child support or the courts. This approach is a long shot but it’s worth a try. There are both positive and negative sides when trying to modify your current order. Below are some examples to help you make a good decision. So let’s look at the good, the bad and the ugly of child support modifications. The Positive Sides of Modifications for the obligor The obligor is the person that pays child support.
- You can request to modify an order if there is a change in employment. There must be a decrease in pay in order for the child support to be lowered.
- You can request to modify an order if there is a change in your dependent status. A dependent change normally means having more children. This can also lower your child support payments.
The Negative Sides of Modifications for the obligor
- You will have to expose your employment, income and other assets to child support and maybe the courts.
- You are taking a risk of being ordered to pay higher monthly child support payments.
The Positive Sides of Modifications for the obligee The obligee is the person that receives child support.
- You can request to modify an order if there is a change in employment or income situation.
- You can request to modify an order if you know that there has been a significant change in the other party’s income. This means their salary has increased.
The Sides of Modifications for the obligee
- You will have to expose your employment, income and other assets to child support and maybe the courts.
- You are taking a risk of being ordered to receive lower child support payments.
See if you can meet with the other party and express your concerns. We do understand that you may not be the best of friends. Grab some coffee, relax and discuss this issue. If you have a good reason and would like more child support then let the other party know. Also if you have a good reason and feel your order should be lowered the same rules apply.Try to agree on a specific and fair amount. Its better that the both of you agree rather then allowing the courts to make their ruling. Also don’t apply for child support modifications just for spite. Many people do this but here’s a quick warning. Taking this approach can backfire right before your very eyes.
You may not fully know or understand what the other party’s true situation is. This can throw a huge monkey wrench in your devious plan. Example: You may think that the other party is still receiving a big salary when in fact they were just let go from the job. Since you unjustly filed for a modification you may be awarded a lower amount of child support because the employment situation has changed. Ouchhh!
So evaluate the situation before you make your decision. Be informed and know the facts when requesting child support modifications. Take this information seriously. Your choice can positively or negatively affect you for years to come.
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Douglas Lee is a work at home father with three children. He is the author and web site creator of http://www.Child-Support-America.com where you can find information on child support and the issues of having an open case. His site is a great resource for both custodial and non-custodial parents alike. Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Douglas_Lee |
