If a child in Ohio deals with an unexpected life change, their parent might realize that their ex-spouse’s child support payments aren’t enough anymore. When this happens, they might need to request a child custody modification. A modification can help them take care of their child and pay the bills without straining the other parent’s budget.
When can a custodial parent request a child support modification?
A custodial parent can request a child support modification if the cost of caring for their child skyrockets. For example, they might request a modification if their child falls ill and they need help paying the medical bills.
The custodial parent can also request a modification if their ex-spouse experiences a significant increase in income. However, they should only request a modification if the increase is significant enough that the parents can’t provide the same standards of living for their child. Most courts limit the amount of times that parents can request a modification in a two- or three-year period.
Non-custodial parents can also request a modification if they experience a decrease in income and can’t afford their current child support payments. They should be prepared to provide financial documents to prove to the court that they’ve experienced a reduction in income.
How can parents get help with requesting a modification?
An attorney may be able to help parents who need to request a child support modification. For custodial parents, the attorney might gather evidence to prove that the child’s cost of living has increased. This can include medical and educational costs. For non-custodial parents, an attorney may help the individual prove that they can’t make their current child support payments. They might gather documentation to prove that their income has decreased or stopped altogether, requiring a payment modification.
