If you have gone through a divorce in Alabama, part of the final agreement was likely a child support order, a spousal support order, or both. The courts try to make these orders in such a way as to ensure they accomplish the goal of providing financial care for any children and a spouse who needs it for a time. The goal is to have these orders remain in place as they are written until they are scheduled to be terminated. There are times, however, when it is appropriate to challenge a support order to have it modified or removed.
1. Significant Change in Pay
If you or your ex has had a significant change in pay, that may be a good time to challenge a support order. One of the primary factors that the courts look at when issuing either child support or spousal support is the income of both parties. If you are paying support but lose your job and have to take a lower paying one, you can petition to have your support obligation reduced. If you learn that your ex (who is paying support) has gotten a significant raise, it may be time to seek an increase in the support order.
2. Change in Needs of the Child
There are a variety of situations where the financial needs of a child can change, which may make it so a change to the order is necessary. For example, if a child develops some type of chronic medical condition that requires regular care or medications, the order may need to change. Even if the change is just to adjust how these new expenses are covered.
3. Non-Custodial Parent Spending More Time with Children
There are many times when the custodial parent becomes very busy, and the non-custodial parent is able to spend more time with the kids. If this becomes a regular thing, the courts may approve a request to change the custody order.
4. Increase in Education of an Ex
Spousal support is often set up to provide help to one spouse for a set amount of time while they are working on completing a degree program or otherwise finding improved employment. If your ex finishes their education early, you might be able to have the spousal support reduced, or even eliminated, early.
We Can Review Your Situation
There are many different scenarios where it will become necessary to have a child support or spousal support order modified. If you believe that your current support orders are no longer meeting the needs of everyone involved, your first step should be to speak with an attorney. Please contact us to schedule a consultation today.
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