If your paycheck seems to run out before the month does, you are far from alone. In fact, according to reporting from CNBC, the cost of consumer goods has risen an average of 5.4% in just one year. Still, if you have a child support obligation, you do not want to fall behind on payments.
You may be able to ask a judge to lower the child support you must pay. In Illinois, courts regularly approve support modification requests due to changes in either parental income or child circumstances.
Income-based modification requests
Either parent may request a change in child support based upon income shifts. These requests can go either way, though. That is, a parent may pursue an increase due to a pay raise, promotion, second job or other increases in income. It is also possible to decrease child support because of a job loss, disability or other monetary reductions.
Circumstance-based requests
If you have not experienced a meaningful change in your income, you may be able to convince a judge to modify your support order by proving your child’s circumstances have changed. Here are some common circumstances that often result in lower child support payments:
- The child moves out of the home
- The child matures and drops out of school
- The child has fewer educational, physical or emotional needs
- The child joins the military
- The child emancipates
Missing child support payments can trigger catastrophic consequences. Ultimately, because support modifications are not usually retroactive, filing your request as soon as possible may be in your legal and financial interests.
