Child Support Guidance From an Experienced Arizona Lawyer
At Clark Family Law, P.C., we are dedicated to helping families through the difficult transitions in divorce and, after divorce, addressing changes to court orders as necessary. We recognize that changes in income or the needs of the children may necessitate a change in child support orders in the future. We are equipped to handle these cases efficiently, whether we are assisting a client in petitioning for child support modification or representing a client in opposing the change in support.
Our Phoenix child support modification lawyer Richard W. Clark has 40 years of experience in helping clients address complex legal issues. He understands the many reasons a child support order may need to be modified and the reasons a parent may object. He utilizes his experience and comprehensive knowledge of the law to provide clients with straightforward advice and guide them through the legal process.
Maricopa County Lawyer: Modify Child Support Orders
Many parents who endure a significant financial change, such as when one parent loses his or her job, attempt to work out a temporary or long-term child support modification agreement with the other parent. It is critical to realize that these agreements are not enforceable in court!
A child support order will continue to control and be enforced until it is officially modified by the court. Even if there is a verbal agreement about modifying child support, a parent can change his or her mind and request that the court enforce the child support order — resulting in considerable child support arrearages. Therefore, if a parent is in need of a modification, it should be pursued through the court system in order to be enforceable. And, it should be pursued right away, as modifications to child support orders are not retroactive.
Our Phoenix child support attorney helps clients understand the viable methods for modifying child support in Arizona:
- Change in circumstances: Anytime there is a change in financial circumstances for either parent, the child support order can be revisited to determine if a modification is warranted. This may include a change in parent access/visitation, a promotion, a drop in hours worked, a reduction in income or loss of a job.
- Simplified modification procedure: If any change in circumstance would result in at least a 15 percent increase or decrease in child support, according to child support guidelines, it is considered a change of circumstance, and it may warrant a modification of child support payments.
Free Initial Consultations
Please call us today toll free at 888-312-3859 or 602-639-4545 to discuss your questions about child support and child support modification. For your convenience, we also accept e-mail inquiries.
