How Can I Modify Child Support Payments in New Jersey?

Life can change a great deal over time. As days, months, and years go by, an individual’s own personal circumstances can change significantly. This can sometimes affect a parent’s ability to make their child support payments. Alternatively, it can impact a child’s need for these payments as well. When this happens, they may wish to see this change reflected in their payments through an increase or decrease in the amount. It is important to know that this may be done through a modification. This allows child support payments to be adjusted in order to meet the needs of the family. When requesting a modification, it can be beneficial to enlist the help of an experienced attorney for guidance.

What Calls for an Increase in Child Support Payments?

There are many different circumstances that may constitute an increase in child support payments. This can include the following: 

• The dependent parent or child suffered a serious injury or illness and requires financial means for proper medical assistance
• The federal income tax laws have changed and the dependent parent cannot keep up 
• The parent paying support received an increase in income and can afford to pay more to support their child’s needs
• The dependent parent lost their home and requires the financial means to shelter their children

What Calls for a Decrease in Child Support Payments? 

It is important to understand that it can be difficult to request a decrease in the amount a parent is required to pay in child support. In order to do so, the individual must prove that they are doing so in good faith and that the change in their life is ongoing. Some grounds for a decrease in child support can include the following circumstances:

• The cost of living of the supporting parent has increased and they can no longer afford to pay child support
• The dependent parent recently remarried or has entered into a cohabitating relationship with another person
• The supporting parent suffered a serious injury or illness that requires medical assistance and they are left with few funds to take care of their child
• The federal income tax laws have changed and the dependent parent cannot keep up
• The income of the supporting parent has either decreased or their job
• The dependent parent’s income increased or they went from being unemployed to attaining a job and income

Contact our Firm
If you or someone you know requires the assistance of an experienced legal team to guide you through your divorce, contact Townsend, Tomaio & Newmark L.L.C today.