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Inquiring about the modification of child support is a common question for parents who are experiencing or anticipating life changes. Typical changes that can impact child support include loss of employment, a pay increase, a new marriage, or changes in where the child resides. For best results, you will need to hire an attorney to request any adjustments to child support. The court will determine if the parent’s changes are in the best interest of the children involved.
In Georgia, the court determines what will happen regarding child support, such as whether each parent will pay and how much they will pay. After child support orders, the order can only be altered if a parent requests a court modification. To get the court to modify child support orders, you must prove there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances. This is where an attorney will help you establish your case for modification.
How an Attorney Helps with Modification of Child Support
It’s essential to work with an attorney to request child support modification. Just like in the divorce and the original child custody hearing, you will have a case to prove. Therefore, it helps to work with a family law attorney with experience with these modifications. Whether you are seeking a child support payment reduction or are requesting more child support from the other parent, an attorney will help you gather and organize the facts and help you create a strong court case.
The most common reasons for modification in child support include:
- A parent experiencing job loss or another loss of income.
- A parent getting a new job with a higher income.
- A change in health for the parent or child.
- A change in the child’s financial needs.
Family Law Attorney
It’s up to the court to determine whether the modification is justified and best for the child’s well-being. When you have an experienced family law attorney on your side, you can argue your position for modification in the most effective and persuasive way possible.
A family law attorney can consult with child psychologists, forensic accountants, and business valuators to strengthen your case. This is beneficial because the court relies heavily on third-party testimony regarding child custody, visitation, and support matters.
An attorney working for your case encourages the court to take your request seriously. Hence, the attorney will work with you to create a strong case. It is more likely the court will view your request as legitimate and worthy of consideration. There will always be parents trying to get more money out of another parent in child custody situations. Still, when you can lay out the facts and prove the modifications are in the child’s best interest, the court is more likely to agree.
If you are considering a modification of child support, you need an experienced family law attorney. Let us help you every step of the way. Get professional assistance you can trust with the attorneys at our Cumming location. Call (770) 475-2521 for a free consultation regarding modification of child support.
