Kentucky Child Support Modification Petitions
Kentucky law is very clear on the matter of child support. The financial support of a child is the obligation of every parent regardless of whether that parent is married to the child’s other parent. Child support issues are often the source of much stress and, unfortunately, there will be times when child support modification is necessary due to a change in circumstances. When this occurs, it is important to understand that you cannot simply stop paying your child support. You must retain an attorney to file a petition for child support modification to obtain an order changing your child support obligation.
On the other hand, if you are receiving child support, you can also petition the court for child support modification if there is a substantial change of circumstances. The child support modification process is not limited to either party; however, it is important to hire an experienced family law attorney to assist you with this process. The attorneys of Musselwhite Meinhart & Staples, PSC can help you with the child support modification process. Call our office at 1-800-754-HELP to discuss your situation with an attorney.
When Can I Petition for a Child Support Modification Order?
Kentucky child support is governed by statutory Child Support Guidelines; therefore, an order for child support modification must be in accordance with those guidelines. Because every situation is different, you should always consult an attorney to determine if you qualify for a child support modification order. However, some common reasons why a party may petition the court for a child support modification order include:
- A party has lost his or her job or experienced a decrease in income;
- A party has a new job or has an increase in income;
- A party or the child has extraordinary or additional medical needs;
- The child is now receiving income such as social security benefits or trust payments; and,
- The custody or parenting time agreement has been modified.
In most cases, the change in circumstances must be expected to continue in order to qualify for a modification of child support. For example, if you have a short-term decrease in income, that may not be enough to obtain a child support modification order. However, the only way to know for sure is to discuss your situation with one of our attorneys.
It is important that you contact our office as soon as possible to discuss your situation so that you do not fall behind on your child support payments. Once you are behind on your child support obligation, you could potentially face contempt charges for failing to pay child support. Before this happens, contact our office to discuss the possibility of modifying your child support obligation.
Contact an Experienced Radcliff and Elizabethtown Family Law Attorney
We’ve Helped Thousands of KY Families, we can help you!
The family law attorneys of Musselwhite Meinhart & Staples, PSC have over 50 years of combined legal experience. We represent clients throughout central Kentucky.
Contact us at our Radcliff and Elizabethtown Office in Hardin County at (270) 351-6032 or toll-free at 1-800-754-HELP to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys. You may also contact our office through our convenient online contact form.