{"id":351674,"date":"2016-04-04T11:02:29","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T16:02:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/family\/child-support\/can-i-change-a-child-support-order-after-changing-jobs.html"},"modified":"2023-05-24T15:38:12","modified_gmt":"2023-05-24T20:38:12","slug":"can-i-change-a-child-support-order-after-changing-jobs","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/family\/child-support\/can-i-change-a-child-support-order-after-changing-jobs.html","title":{"rendered":"Can I Change a Child Support Order After Changing Jobs?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Can I Change a Child Support Order After Changing Jobs?<\/h1>\n
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\n By Danielle Gilmore, Esq.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

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Courts use state child support guidelines to make child support determinations. If the the noncustodial parent changes their job, they can petition the court to modify the child support order. <\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n

You’re a parent who pays child support and has changed jobs. However, the amount of child support that you must pay does not automatically change to reflect your current income. The good news is that you can petition the court to change a child support order<\/a> when you switch to a new job. You may no longer be able to afford the payments due to a decrease in your salary.<\/p>\r\n

The custodial parent may also ask to change the amount of support if the non-custodial parent earns more money from a new job. When the judge adjusts the amount or other terms of court-ordered child support, that action is a child support modification<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

In this way, you can modify child support payments to account for changes in your or your child’s other parent’s income. This article focuses on when (and how) you can alter a child support order after changing jobs. This includes the valid reasons for a change and the general modification process.<\/p>\r\n

Child Support Payments<\/h2>\r\n

The cost of living in your state contributes to the specific child support amount. However, financial information from both parents, including both parents’ income, is an essential element that the judge uses to set the amount.<\/p>\r\n

A child support affidavit provides information about a parent’s income related to the support of their children. Then the judge calculates the child support obligation. The parent can update the affidavit to modify the payment amount. When that financial information changes, it’s probably time for the court to change the current child support order.<\/p>\r\n

Child Support Modification<\/h2>\r\n

The court must approve any change in a child support order. However, that doesn’t mean parents must attend a court hearing. In some states, parents can change the terms of a child support modification by filing a stipulation without ever walking inside a courtroom. But parents must first agree on the modification terms. This also applies to spousal support<\/a>, though you must pay a filing fee.<\/p>\r\n

Courts consider many facts before approving a request to change the levels of a child support obligation. They typically decide whether the new job and\/or other determining factors are a "substantial change in circumstances."<\/p>\r\n

Common Reasons To Change a Child Support Order<\/h2>\r\n

One or both parents may seek a modification of child support after changing jobs or experiencing a change in income<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

A court may temporarily change an order of child support to accommodate a child’s medical emergency. They may also change to accommodate a temporary financial hardship of either one of the parents. It’s more common for courts to require an ongoing and consistent change in circumstances before they approve a modification. Temporary modifications rarely occur.<\/p>\r\n

Whatever the reason for changing levels of child support, the court must always consider the needs of the child<\/a>. Reasons for modifying the child support might include the following:<\/p>\r\n