Top Ten Ways To Lower Your Child Support
By Lauren Fields
1. Negotiate a lower amount with the other parent: It may be possible to negotiate a lower amount of child support with the other parent, either through mediation or directly.
2. Propose a parenting plan that reflects the actual time the children spend with each parent: If the children spend a significant amount of time with you, a parenting plan that reflects this can result in a lower amount of child support being ordered.
3. Seek a modification of the child support order: If your financial situation has changed significantly since the child support order was issued, you may be able to seek a modification of the order. This can be done through the court or by negotiating a new agreement with the other parent.
4. Demonstrate a change in the children's needs: If the children's needs have changed significantly since the child support order was issued, this may be grounds for seeking a modification of the order.
5. Prove that the other parent is earning more income: If the other parent has significantly increased their income since the child support order was issued, this may be grounds for seeking a modification of the order.
6. Prove that the other parent is not paying for the children's needs: If the other parent is not using the child support payments to meet the children's needs, this may be grounds for seeking a modification of the order.
7. Seek the help of a child custody lawyer: A child custody lawyer can help you advocate for your rights as a parent and negotiate a lower amount of child support.
8. Consider the impact on the children: It's important to consider the impact on the children when determining child support. A lower amount of child support may not always be in their best interests, so it's important to consider their needs as well.
9. Communicate with the other parent: Open and honest communication with the other parent can help you come to an agreement on a lower amount of child support.
10. Be flexible: Being flexible and willing to compromise can help you and the other parent reach an agreement on a lower amount of child support.