Can Child Support Be Modified?
Yes, child support can be modified in the State of Pennsylvania, but it must be based on a significant and lasting change in circumstances. This means that it’s a complicated legal matter. If you think a child support modification is in order, it’s time to consult with our experienced Harrisburg child support attorneys at McDonald Myers Law.
When Modifications Are Considered
The State of Pennsylvania is required to review its child support calculation guidelines every four years. As a parent, however, you are entitled to request a child support review every three years.
Even if three years haven’t passed since you received your current order, you can seek a modification that is based on a significant change in circumstances. If your Harrisburg case goes to court, it will be heard at the Dauphin County Domestic Relations Office.
The Primary Reasons Harrisburg Judges Grant Child Support Modifications
Every child support modification has its own unique set of circumstances, but the primary reasons for granting child support modifications fall into basic categories.
A Significant Change in Either Parent’s Income
A significant change in either parent’s income, which can mean an increase or decrease, can support a child support modification. If, however, the court determines that the parent’s income has decreased due to their own actions or misconduct, a modification is highly unlikely.
A Significant Change in the Parenting Time Schedule
If the parenting time schedule has changed significantly since the child support orders were handed down, a modification may be granted. For example, if the parent who makes the child support payments spends far more time with the children than the other parent does, it could directly affect their child support obligation.
A Significant Change in Relevant Circumstances
If either parent experiences a life-changing event, such as any of the following, it can lead to a child support modification:
- Suffering a disability
- Having an additional child to support
- Remarrying, which can affect living expenses and net income
It’s important to note that stepparents have no legal obligation to support their stepchildren, so this variable does not affect child support modifications. Adopting a stepchild, on the other hand, could make a difference when it comes to a child support modification case.
A capable child support lawyer will help you build a solid case in support of your financial rights.
Our Experienced Harrisburg Child Support Lawyers Are Here to Help
If you need a child support modification or believe you’re entitled to one, our skilled child support attorneys at McDonald Myers Law will leave no stone unturned in our focused pursuit of a modification that fairly addresses your current circumstances. Our savvy legal team is on your side and here to help. And because the outcome of your case is important to your future, you shouldn’t put off contacting us online or giving our firm a call at 717-704-9077 for more information today.
