Children deserve the emotional and financial support of both parents, even after they divorce or separate. When parents file for divorce in North Carolina, the non-custodial parent in a divorce is often ordered to pay child support. This helps bridge the financial gap children may experience when their parents get divorced.
Once the child support is set in the final divorce settlement, however, it is not set in stone. Life circumstances come up that may require child support modification, according to the North Carolina Courts.
When can you file for child support modification?
The child support amount may be modified three years after it is set, unless there is a significant change in life, according to The Balance. These changes may include the following:
- Job loss resulting in a dramatic change in income
- Incarceration
- Other parent gets married
In some cases, children may require an increase in child support if they are diagnosed with a medical condition, require braces or need further financial assistance. It may become difficult or even impossible for parents to maintain the child support amount, making modification a way to change this child support amount.
How can you file for modification?
The proposed child support modification must have a difference of at least 15% from the previous amount. You must fill out a Motion and Notice of Hearing for Modification of Child Support and file it with the North Carolina court. The court will research the case and determine whether a modification is justified.
If you wish to modify your child support amount, contact our law firm for more information.
