Marietta Child Support Modification Lawyer
When parents get divorced or separated, either party may be ordered to pay child support to the other in ongoing installments. A child support order in Marietta may be modified if a substantial change has occurred in the lives of the children or either of their parents.
Consider contacting a Marietta child support modification lawyer if you are looking to file or dispute a petition for changes to your current order. Having a driven child support attorney who understands the complexities of this process on your side can significantly improve your chances of achieving a favorable outcome.
Petitioning the Court for Child Support Modification
A parent generally cannot ask a judge to modify their existing child support order until two years after it was issued. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, like if there has been a substantial change in:
- The income of one or both parents;
- The financial circumstances of one or both parents; or
- The children’s needs.
It is worth noting that there is no limit on the number of times child support can be modified. As long as the petitioning parent can prove there has been a significant change of circumstances, a court will likely approve any changes that are within the best interests of the children.
A Marietta court may also implement temporary changes to a family’s child support order for situations which drastically impact their finances but are not expected to last long-term. For help with establishing your children’s needs in court, it is best to consult with an experienced and well-versed Marietta child support alterations attorney before entering litigation.
Grounds for Modifying Child Support
As a general rule, a local family court will not modify an existing child support arrangement unless the petitioning party can prove that they or their children’s other parent has undergone a significant change in circumstances. This policy helps promote stability in children’s lives and prevents family courts from becoming overburdened with frequent and repetitive requests for modifications.
The following circumstances could warrant a child support modification:
- Either parent experiences an increase in income;
- The paying parent has not been fulfilling their court-ordered financial obligations to the other party;
- Either parent receives a large inheritance;
- Any party suffers a debilitating injury or long-term illness;
- Either parent experiences an involuntary loss of income; and
- Either parent has been exercising more visitation time than their arrangement permits.
A Marietta lawyer can help a parent navigate their child support modification case and present compelling evidence in court on their behalf.
Reach out to a Marietta Child Support Modification Attorney Today
A significant change in your or your child’s circumstances could be grounds for modifying your current child support order. A skilled Marietta child support modification lawyer would be advantageously familiar with local court procedures and can recommend a legal path that suits your family’s individual needs. Consider reaching out to our intake team as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.
