Child Support Modifications in Glen Burnie
Need to increase or decrease your child support?
The judge who presides over your divorce will attempt to rule on a plan for child support that achieves a balance between the financial needs of the parent with primary custody and the economic resources of the other parent. Primary among the many factors which will be weighed regarding child custody and support is the health and happiness of the children, and child support is meant to provide for their needs as they grow up. In the months and years following the divorce, it may happen that you have to increase or decrease the set amount of support that was ordered, and any such change must be ratified by a legal modification, which you can seek by petitioning the court. Simply agreeing with your ex-spouse is not sufficient, as a verbal agreement cannot be enforced if the other party later changes their mind. If you can't sustain the payments you are required to make, failure to pay can result in stiff legal penalties including wage garnishment and criminal charges for contempt of court.
An effective Glen Burnie divorce attorney can help you seek a child support modification, from assembling documentation to assist your request to arguing for your position in court. Common grounds for this type of alteration to a post-settlement decree include:
- If your former spouse gets a raise at work and can now carry a larger share of the financial burden of raising the children
- Health problems which require medical treatment and time off work
- Increases in the child's cost of living, with expenses such as extracurricular activities, school and food
If your ex-spouse resists your wishes for a modification, your attorney can help you bring pressure to bear, but even when both parties agree, the process of obtaining the cooperation of the court in approving your petition can be accelerated with legal representation.
Child Support Lawyer Serving Anne Arundel County
It is important to work with an attorney who knows how to address every aspect of a child support modification, so that you have the best chances of seeing your request approved. At Ward Pratz & Associates, P.A., we have over 20 years of experience practicing family law in this community, and we have helped many people in situations similar to yours achieve their objectives. Before speaking with your former spouse or taking any action to modify your child support, you should speak with us to learn how you can expedite the process.
Contact a Glen Burnie child support attorney if you need a modification to your child support agreement.