In Massachusetts, parents choose to modify their child support orders for a variety of reasons. For example, a non-custodial parent may wish to modify his or her child support order to reduce the amount they owe because their work hours were cut and they are earning a considerably smaller income. On the other hand, a custodial parent may wish to receive more child support because their child’s other parent started earning substantially more. In Boston, and across the state, it is essential for parents to understand their rights and approach child support modification properly.
Aside from job loss, there are several other factors that may warrant the modification of a child support order and are important for parents to recognize. According to the Massachusetts Judicial Branch, parents can change child support orders because of changes regarding their child’s living situation, losing health insurance or facing higher health care costs and gaining access to less expensive health coverage.
When a parent asks the court to modify their child support order, there are a number of factors that are taken into consideration. For example, courts could review the amount of time a child spends with his or her custodial and non-custodial parent, the age of the child, the health coverage choices that a child’s parents have, expenses associated with raising the child and each parent’s income. For some parents, heading to court over legal matters involving children feels overwhelming. However, it is vital for parents to work towards outcomes that serve the best interests of children.
