Life is never static. When financial circumstances in your life change, it may be necessary to re-visit the court order governing the amount of child support you receive or pay to support your children. Phoenix family lawyer Wendy Raquel Hernandez can help you understand Arizona child support guidelines, evaluate your financial situation and identify if an upwards or downwards modification of child support is warranted.
When Is a Modification of Child Support Appropriate?
Under Arizona child support laws, a parent can petition for a modification of child support when there has been a significant and continuing change in circumstances impacting the finances of either parent. Child support modifications may be granted when there is a change warranting at least a 15 percent increase or decrease in the current child support obligation. For many parents, a significant change in circumstances may involve:
- A parent loses his or her job
- A parent's hours are cut at work
- A parent exercises considerably more parenting time/visitation
- A child's unpaid medical expenses significantly increase or decrease
- A child no longer requires day care, eliminating day care expenses
- A child's education expenses significantly increase or decrease
- A parent is promoted and receives higher wages
- Other changes in circumstances
Do I Need to Modify Child Support Through the Court?
While many parents believe a verbal agreement with the other parent is sufficient to temporarily modify support, it is important to realize that the support order does not change until the court grants a modification. Even if a parent adheres to an agreed upon child support modification, that parent could face thousands of dollars in child support arrearages if the other parent later changes his or her mind about the agreement and brings the issue to court to enforce child support.
Call Our Arizona Child Support Modification Attorney
If you have questions about modifying child support, or would like to speak with attorney Wendy Raquel Hernandez about your options for child support enforcement — call us at 602.903.6746 or contact our law firm online. From our office in Phoenix, Arizona, we represent clients from throughout the Phoenix Metro Area. We accept all major credit cards.
