Modifying Child Support or Alimony
Macon, Georgia Post-Divorce Modifications Attorney
Under certain conditions, it is possible to alter the level of child support or spousal support after a divorce decree has been finalized. I can represent you in petitioning the court for more support if the other parent got a promotion or new job, or in challenging a child support modification.
The Macon-based law office of Margrett A. Skinner serves custodial and non-custodial parents in Bibb County and surrounding counties in Central Georgia. I have practiced in family law for 21 years. Contact me today for an honest assessment of the strength of your case and my experienced representation.
Child Support Modification — Asking for More Money
The court requires a substantial change in circumstances to increase child support, such as:
- An increase of at least 10 percent in the paying parent's income
- An older child chooses to come to live with you
- Reduction in income
I will prepare the documentation and represent you in the hearing to convince the judge to modify support upward.
Reducing Child Support
You cannot voluntarily reduce your earnings to pay less child support, or quit your job to avoid paying child support. Nor are children from a new marriage an excuse. The court will hold you to your obligation to your child. However, there are situations in which you can ask for support to be decreased, suspended or terminated:
- Involuntary job loss
- Medical problems, a sick family member or other hardship
- An increase in parenting time (visitation) over the original custody agreement
- Increased travel costs because the custodial parent has moved
Alimony generally cannot be increased after divorce, but you can petition to end or reduce alimony if you have had an involuntary reduction in income or have become disabled. I can also explore whether there are grounds to ask for more support if the former spouse is earning more and you can demonstrate need.
Call the law office of Margrett A. Skinner at (478) 742-7400 to discuss child support modification. I offer a free initial phone consultation, and return phone or e-mail inquiries within 24 hours.
