How Can You Change Your Child Support Amount If Your Job Changes

When your employment situation changes unexpectedly, it usually means changes to finances that require taking a fresh look at what you’re paying for child support. There are child support modification options, and it’s important to have a lawyer to help you petition the court to make a change. 

Child Support Modification After a Job Change

Georgia courts generally allow for adjustments in these cases when there’s been a material alteration in income or financial status since the prior order was entered. This applies whether the change increases or decreases what you can reasonably contribute. The key to getting the change is proving that it’s ongoing and significant.

Georgia determines the appropriate amount of child support by looking at both parents’ gross incomes, with each being assigned a proportional share of the basic obligation for the number of children involved. A job change could make a big difference in the income numbers used in this formula.

How to Get Your Change Ordered

Before you move forward, you’ll need to collect solid documentation to prove that the change has happened. At a minimum, you’ll need pay statements or tax forms from before and after the job transition, any separation or termination paperwork you’ve gotten from your employer, records of unemployment benefits (if applicable), and details on your current job search or new employment terms. 

If your job change has to do with a medical need, such as if you were injured at work or have developed a health condition that prevents you from working your old job, medical records will also be needed. Your lawyer will help you gather all the important things you need to strengthen your position and show that this is the sort of substantial change the law allows for.

Working With Your Lawyer

The route you take will depend on your situation. If the state child support agency is currently enforcing your order, you can submit a request for them to review the existing arrangement. The agency will verify all the details and may recommend a revised amount. 

The entire review often takes several months, during which you should continue with payments under the current order. The best way to get this done quickly is to have an attorney help you. While an attorney can’t make the agency work “faster,” they can do two things to keep things moving:

1. Make sure everything is submitted right the first time, so there are no delays due to paperwork
2. Ensure you have all the strong evidence you need to show the situation, so the agency doesn’t initially deny or have to ask for more proof

Court Involvement

For orders not handled through the agency, or if for some reason you prefer direct court involvement, your attorney will file a petition in superior court for you.  The petition will explain the substantial change that’s tied to your employment situation and include a financial affidavit plus a worksheet showing what the new amount should be under current guidelines. 

Job changes happen, and your orders for financial support should reflect reality. Contact us at South Atlanta Family Law in Stockbridge, GA today to request a consultation or a strategy session. We’re an award-winning South Atlanta area law firm with over 50 years of experience handling family law matters for our clients.

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