Significant income change (job loss, pay cut) Relocation affecting custody or expenses Medical emergencies or disability Change in child’s needs (education, healthcare)
File for modification immediately—don’t stop payments. Show proof: termination letter, unemployment claims. Courts may temporarily reduce payments.
If custody changes, support may be recalculated. Notify the court and other parent before moving. Interstate cases use the UIFSA law.
Gather proof (pay stubs, job loss docs).. File a Motion to Modify with your state’s family court. Serve the other parent and attend the hearing.
Stop payments without court approval. Hide income or lie about job status. Delay filing—modifications aren’t retroactive!
Local legal aid offices (free/low-cost). Online state child support calculators. Mediation services for cooperative parents.