Navigating divorce with children is difficult for many Ohio parents. Even in the most amicable divorces, the hardest part for many parents will be figuring out child support and custody arrangements.
The court will always try to prioritize the child’s best interests and make an equitable decision in regard to custody and child support. However, you or your spouse might find out that the court’s initial decision doesn’t work in the long term.
Signs you should modify child support
Many parents will choose to seek a child support modification due to changes in their own personal lives. These changes often include a decrease in their financial or personal situations, such as losing their job or suddenly having to take care of a relative.
Other times, a parent might request that child support be increased. This could be because of changes in their ex-spouse’s financial situation or the new needs of the child. Examples include:
- Ex-spouse getting a raise
- Children needing braces or other medical care
- A child enrolling in sports, classes, etc.
These are all reasonable reasons to ask for an increase in child support, especially if you find out your spouse is in a better financial position than they were when you first made the support agreements. Additionally, a parent can request increases due to changes in their own lives – such as a decrease in income, change in health, etc.
How to modify a child support order?
There are plenty of options for modifying your child support – such as asking for a temporary modification, permanent modification, and even talking to your ex-spouse before actually filing. But to get a formal child support modification though, you’ll want to file for a modification in the original court that issued the first child support decision.
At the hearing, you’ll be asked to present your case as to why you need more / less child support. The burden of proof is on the person who’s requesting the modification, and the decisions will be made just like the first decision – with equity and the wellbeing of the child being paramount.
