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Inquiring about the modification of child support is a common question for parents who are experiencing or anticipating life changes. Common changes that can impact child support include loss of employment, pay increase, a new marriage, or changes in where the child is residing. For best results, you will need to hire an attorney in order to request any adjustments to child support. The court will determine if the parents changes are in the best interest of the children involved.
In Georgia, the court determines what will happen in regard to 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 makes a modification request to the court. To get the court to alter child support orders, you must prove there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances. This is where an attorney will come in to help you prove your case for modification.
How an Attorney Helps with Modification of Child Support
It’s important to work with an attorney to request modification of child support. 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 who has experience with these types of 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 to create a strong case for the court.
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 well-being of the child. When you have an experienced family law attorney on your side, then you will be able to argue your position for modification in the most effective and persuasive way possible.
A family law attorney is able to consult with child psychologists, forensic accountants and business valuators to strengthen your case. This is beneficial because the court often relies heavily on third party testimony when it comes to matters related to child custody, visitation and support.
An attorney working for your case also 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, but when you can lay out the facts and prove the modifications are in the best interest of the child, 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.
