Informal vs Court Initiated Child Support Payment Modification

Child support payments can be modified to assist those who are experiencing financial difficulties. A problem arises though when a court-ordered child support payment agreement is modified outside of the court system.

Informal Payment Modifications

Often times, when a spouse responsible for making child support payments (the obligor) experiences financial troubles, they are likely to reach out to their ex. Usually, this is with the hope that their ex will agree to cut them some slack, and agree to lower the monthly payment amounts.

Unfortunately for these folks, even if both people agree to reduce child support payments, the obligor might face severe consequences for not fulfilling his or her obligations. It might not seem like a big deal, but deviating from structured court payments can worsen an already bad financial situation. This is because penalties for avoiding these responsibilities can be harsh, including garnishing wages or possibly even jail time.

When is Reducing Support Acceptable?

There are numerous scenarios in which reducing child support may be appropriate. While there may be any number of reasons for modifying child support obligations, it must be shown that there is a “substantial and continuing change of circumstances.” Colorado determines that if the modification would result in a 10% or greater change in the obligation, this amounts to a “substantial and continuing change of circumstances.”

How to Properly Request

While making agreements with your ex to lower child supports might sound like a good idea at first glance, this is a risky move. There is a fair chance that if you’re the obligor, you might have to face some pretty hefty penalties. If you need to lower your child support obligation, we encourage you to reach out to a professional to make sure thing things are done properly. Here at Modern Family Law, we have a team of attorneys prepared to help you with your needs.

Modern Family Law

Modern Family Law’s team of experienced family law attorneys takes a compassionate approach to the practice of family law. Using innovative technology to create an effective and efficient process for our clientele, our attorneys approach each case as a collective effort to find the best long-term solutions for each family. Our attorneys currently practice in Colorado, California, and Texas. Click the following link to view all of our family law locations. For more information please give us a call or fill out a short form online to sign up for a free consultation today! Let us make a positive difference in your life.