Child support helps ensure that children can continue to receive financial support from both of their parents even after they decide to separate or divorce. By staying committed to their child support obligations, the parents can raise their children in a stable and secure environment.
However, as time goes on, one of the parents or their children may come across a change of circumstances that may warrant a review of their existing child support order. In this blog, we will provide guidance on how parents like yourself can request a change of your child support amount.
When can parents update their child support order?
Under Maryland law, either parent can request the court for an update of their existing order. To start with this process, you or your ex must submit a written petition or “motion” with the circuit court that made your original child support order.
Your petition needs to include a valid reason for the request and supporting documentation that can help justify your reason.
What type of situations may warrant a change in child support?
While it is understandable that each family’s situation or change in circumstances are unique, there are common forms of these “material changes” that can help justify an increase or decrease in your child support amount. Four of them include:
- You or your ex had a 25% increase or decrease in your salary
- You or your ex’s family size grows
- You, your ex or one of your children become disabled
- Your children’s educational or medical expenses have become more expensive
You can file your petition on your own or with the help of a lawyer. Additionally, if your child support order is at least three years old, you can simply ask the court for an automatic review of your order.
By learning about Maryland’s child support processes and following its proper legal timeline, you can move forward with your intended change and adjust to your family’s change of circumstances with flexibility.