After a court order has set the amount of child support which should be paid to the primary caregiver, Vancouver, WA divorce attorneys see individuals who feel the need to request a modification of this child support.
If the original court order was made less than a year prior, then the requesting parent must show a substantial change in circumstances to support a change in the amount. A substantial change would include:
- A significant raise
- A decrease in income
- The loss of a job
The court will pay close attention to see if the paying parents intentionally or voluntarily became unemployed or underemployed to avoid child support.
A change in your children’s circumstance can change the child support.
After a year, the child support order can be modified without a substantial change in circumstances. At this time the parent requesting a change in support does not have to show a substantial change in circumstances. He or she must prove the following:
- The order creates severe financial strain on the child or the parent.
- The child is no longer in the age category on which the support amount was based
- There is an extenuating circumstance that suggests the need to extend support beyond the eighteenth birthday
If you live in another state you need to contact a Vancouver, WA family law attorney and see if you qualify to adjust your child support order under a law called the Uniform Interstate Family Support ACT.
If you don’t think that Washington court has jurisdiction over your case, you must file papers to argue about jurisdiction. See a family lawyer for advice.
If or when you get the court which has jurisdiction over your case, this does not mean that the Order of Child Support will be changed. There are legal criteria which must be met.
For more information on your child support contact Lambert Law. Crystal Lambert-Schroeder is a dedicated lawyer who works tirelessly for the benefit of families and children.
Click here to read more about her practice or call Lambert Law today 360-737-1473.