Under Connecticut’s child support laws, separated parents can request the courts for a change in their child support amount if they go through a substantial change of circumstances. This legal process helps ensure that parents can adapt to their new situations with ease, while also fulfilling their financial duties for their children.
What are the legal requirements for updating child support?
As your children grow up, there may be some notable changes in their needs or your family’s lifestyle that may warrant an update of child support costs. Four of them include:
- There is an increase or decrease of at least 15% in your or your ex’s income
- There is a change in your custody order
- There is a change in your or your ex’s family size
- There is a change in your children’s educational and/or health care needs
Understanding the state’s specific requirements and following the right modification process is crucial in getting your case evaluated by a Connecticut judge or a family support magistrate.
How can I submit my request?
You can file your “motion for modification” on your own, with the help of an attorney or by seeking assistance from the Support Enforcement Services (SES). If you choose option three, you can begin the process by informing SES of your request in writing, by phone or by e-mail.
Once they review your existing child support order and your completed request form, they will assess the information, prepare the court forms and inform you of the hearing date. Keep in mind that the court will evaluate several factors to ensure that your child support update request is fair for the other parent and aligns with your children’s best interests.
By understanding how Connecticut’s child support modifications work and following the legal procedures involved, you can proceed with your petition confidently and adjust to your new situation free of worries.