Sometimes, divorced parents in Washington might have to request modifications to their original child support order. Some of those changes can be made when there hasn’t been a change in circumstances.
Why would child support modifications be needed?
Usually, parents request modifications to the original child support order when circumstances have changed. One of the biggest reasons is that one parent’s income has significantly increased or decreased.
One parent having a new child to support is another common reason to seek child support modifications. Or if the chid’s needs have changed and the current order isn’t sufficient, the parent receiving the support could ask the court for a modification to the original order. For example, if the child has a sudden medical emergency, it could cost considerably more money than the order requires the paying parent to pay.
When can modifications be made without a change in circumstances?
If more than a year has passed since the court issued the child support order, it’s possible for modifications to be made. However, certain requirements must be met in order for that to happen. One is that a payment might create an undue financial hardship on the parent or even the child.
The child’s age is often a factor in whether child support modifications can be made. If they are of an age that’s in a completely different category from when the original order’s calculation was based, the order could be changed.
Some children are still in high school after they have reached their 18th birthday. If this is the case, the child support order could be modified so that they can continue receiving support so they can finish their education.
Child support modifications are possible but might be complex depending on the situation. If you meet these requirements, your order might be eligible for changes.
