Changes in your circumstances can have a significant impact on your finances. A dedicated attorney can help you petition the court for a modification to your current child support order if it no longer suits your family. Presenting strong evidence and understanding the laws which apply to your case can be made easier with help from an experienced Sandy Springs child support modification lawyer.
When Can Child Support be Modified in Sandy Springs?
Child support orders seek to ensure that children receive adequate financial support from both of their parents. If either party’s circumstances change after a judge issues a support order, a modification may be necessary. However, the courts can only adjust child support if a petitioner can prove that a substantial change in their circumstances has taken place since the last order.
Involuntary Loss of Income
A parent who experiences an involuntary loss of income may petition the court for a modification of child support. Involuntary loss of income is defined in Official Code of Georgia Annotated §19-6-15(j) as:
- Termination of employment;
- Shortened weekly hours;
- Involvement in an organized strike;
- A loss of health; or
- Incarceration.
Any involuntary adversity which results in at least a 25 percent reduction of a parent’s income may warrant child support alterations. A Sandy Springs child support adjustment attorney can help a claimant establish that their loss of income was unexpected and involuntary.
Can Changes in Parenting Time Impact Child Support Obligations?
Child support is based not only on both parents’ income, but also on the parenting time awarded to either party. If a noncustodial parent does not exercise their visitation rights or regularly takes more parenting time than contemplated by their order, a child support modification may be appropriate under O.C.G.A. §19-6-15(K)(ii).
Either parent may only request changes to a support order once every two years, unless there has a been a material change in their circumstances which affects their children’s needs before that time. Proving a substantial and ongoing change in circumstances can be challenging, but a seasoned child support alteration lawyer in Sandy Springs can help a claimant present a compelling case.
Necessary Evidence
According to O.C.G.A. §19-15-(k)(4) petitions for child support modifications must follow the same procedural rules as divorce cases. This means that parties must produce reliable documentation of their income and financial situation, such as:
- Income tax returns;
- Paycheck stubs;
- Bank statements; and
- Evidence of child’s financial needs.
Parents may also need to exchange financial documents and other information before a court hearing as part of the discovery process. Failure to present reliable evidence can result in an unfair outcome, which may be largely based on the opposing party’s testimony.
Get in Touch with a Sandy Springs Child Support Modification Attorney as Soon as Possible
If you believe that alterations to your current child support order could benefit your family, guidance from a knowledgeable legal advocate can help you obtain a favorable outcome. These cases require an understanding of applicable laws and careful adherence to court procedures. A Sandy Springs child support modification lawyer can help you obtain the changes your family needs. Contact our intake team today for assistance.
