Like most court orders pertaining to children, child support orders can be modified when the circumstances call for it.  Some of the common reasons why a child support order may need to be changed include:

Income Has Changed

Child support calculations often take both parents income into consideration when determining the proper amount of child support to be paid.  Therefore, if either income changes, a child support modification may be desired.  If a supporting parent loses a job or has reduced hours, he or she may ask for a reduction in child support.  The parent is obligated to continue paying support until a modification is ordered.  Modifications may be temporary or permanent in nature.

Expenses Have Changed

Child support can also be based on the child’s anticipated expenses.  If the child’s expenses go up because he or she becomes disabled, has expensive extracurricular activities or has increased educational expenses, the receiving parent may ask for an adjustment in the child support amount.

Supporting Parent Has Additional Obligations

A supporting parent may start a new family and have additional children to support from within his or her own household.  Child support can often be modified if circumstances change that justify this modification.

Supporting Parent Has a Disability

A supporting parent may ask for a modification in child support if he or she suffers an injury or develops an illness that prevents him or her from working.

If both parents agree to the proposed modification, they can submit the agreement to the court to be converted into a new order.  They may be able to reach a new agreement through the assistance of mediation.  If the parties cannot reach an agreement regarding a proposed modification, the party wanting the change will have to file a motion with the court asking for the modification.