If you are a divorcing parent, you know the struggles are real. You have likely already gone through the wringer in your child custody battle. And, especially after dividing your property, you may have serious concerns about your future as you negotiate child support payments.
Once your divorce is final, you may need some time to heal and find your new normal. But, depending on how your life changes after your divorce, you may find your child support arrangement is inadequate. Or, a serious change in employment may make your child support payments unaffordable.
You may be able to modify your child support order
If changes in your financial situation make it too difficult for you to make your required child support payments, you may file a case review for a possible modification in your support orders.
While you may shy away from more paperwork or possible time in court, there may be times when a modification is in your best interest. Depending upon how things have changed for you and your former spouse since your divorce, you may be able to make changes in your financial interest while continuing to meet the needs of your children as well.
A modification request requires you to provide your financial documentation to the court, which may include:
- Previous three years’ federal income tax returns
- Two most recent pay stubs
- Most recent 1099s and W-2s from all income sources
- Proof of medical and dental premiums
- Proof of your daycare expenses
- Birth certificates for other children
You must also sign documentation agreeing to be served by mail and include documentation of your parenting time and visitation adjustment.
It is normal to ask for help
At some point, your only viable option may be asking for a modification. On the flip side of that coin may lie enforcement and penalties for lack of payment.
If you have trouble affording your child support payments, you may want to ask for help – regardless of your marital situation, that is normal. You don’t know if you don’t ask, and you likely can only receive help if you do.