Adjusting child support agreements is sometimes necessary when financial situations or other life circumstances change. In Charlotte, whether you’re receiving or providing child support, changes in income or living conditions could make the current agreement no longer suitable.
When this happens, the parent can petition the court to change the amount of child support they pay. At Melone Hatley, P.C., our Charlotte child support lawyers are closely familiar with these case types and have helped countless families make the child support modifications they need.
A Charlotte child support modifications lawyer from our firm will negotiate a support modification that meets your and your family’s needs.
When Can I Pursue a Child Support Modification in Charlotte, NC?
Under North Carolina’s child support laws, if a court order determines your child support, the amount can only be altered if you demonstrate a significant change in circumstances, including:
- Three-year review with a 15% change: If it’s been three years since your last child support order and applying the North Carolina Child Support Guidelines to your current situation would result in a 15% or more change in child support, this qualifies as a substantial change.
- Sudden changes in your child’s needs: Unexpected medical or educational needs of your child or a decrease in expenses like daycare can justify a modification.
- Involuntary decrease in income: Losing a job or being forced to work fewer hours can lead to a modification request.
- Voluntary income reduction and decreased child needs: Choosing to earn less unless accompanied by a decrease in your child’s needs, generally does not warrant a modification. Success in modifying support requires proving a reduced ability to pay, no bad faith in income reduction, and decreased child needs.
- Your child receiving public assistance: If your child begins receiving public assistance, the State of North Carolina may intervene to request a modification to recoup the assistance provided.
- Changes in physical custody: A significant change in where your child lives, such as moving in or out of your home, can be considered a substantial change in circumstances.
- End of support for one child: When one child ages out of the support order, you can request a modification for the remaining children’s support amounts.
- Situations not qualifying for modification: Filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, increased financial responsibility for children not covered by the current support order, a substantial voluntary decrease in income by either parent or a significant increase in the custodial parent’s income do not qualify as grounds for modification.
If you’ve experienced one of these substantial changes, our child support modification lawyers in Charlotte will help you with your case. Our Charlotte family lawyers will also assess your situation and determine if you’re eligible to petition the court for a modification.
Seeking a Modification Due to Changes in a Child’s Circumstances
Child support modifications can be sought not only due to changes in the lives of the parents but also in response to significant changes in the lives of your children.
For instance, if your child begins attending college or experiences a severe health issue, these circumstances would warrant a review and potential adjustment of the child support arrangement.
How a Charlotte Family Lawyer Can Help You
Filing for a child support modification can be a difficult and confusing process. If you want to get the results you need to address your financial situation and protect your child’s future, work with an experienced child support modification lawyer from Charlotte. A skilled attorney can take the following steps on your behalf:
Gather Documentation
To prove to the court that a child support modification is necessary, you’ll need supporting documentation. An attorney can help you collect and organize the financial records you need to back up your request for modification.
Calculate Child Support
Calculating child support correctly is an important part of the modification process. Any mistakes made at this step could negatively impact your finances and your child’s welfare. Fortunately, a lawyer from our team will use state guidelines and your financial information to calculate child support accurately.
Handle Mediation and Negotiations
Your attorney will try to resolve child support modification issues outside of court. They’ll represent you in mediation sessions and attempt to negotiate a child support modification that is fair for both parties and protects your child’s best interests.
Represent You in Court Proceedings
Sometimes, child support modification cases have to be resolved in court. If that’s the case for you, our team will ensure court documents are filed correctly and on time. We’ll also present evidence in court and push for a resolution that meets your and your child’s needs.
File an Appeal
If the court decides on a child support modification that you disagree with, you have the option to file an appeal. Our Charlotte child support modification attorneys will ensure your appeal is based on hard evidence, giving you the best chance possible at getting a fair outcome.
Charlotte Child Support Modifications
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Why Our Firm Is the Right Choice for Your Child Support Modification Case
At Melone Hatley, P.C., our team has 10 years of experience handling family law cases like yours. We’re closely familiar with every step of the process involved with changing a child support order and will work hard to get the modification you’re looking for.
We’ve changed the lives of many of our past clients, and they’ve been kind enough to send us their testimonials. Once you’ve read about the experience they’ve had with our firm, you’ll realize that we’re the only legal team that’s right for your case.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Charlotte Child Support Modification Attorney
It is stressful and frustrating when financial changes impact your child support. If you need to change the amount of support you receive or provide, don’t hesitate to reach out to a skilled attorney from Melone Hatley, P.C. At our firm, we have your best interests in mind and are eager to pursue an outcome that meets your child’s needs.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Charlotte child support modification lawyer. A knowledgeable attorney will discuss your circumstances, determine if you’re eligible to change your current child support order, and explain your legal options.
