How You Can Increase the Amount of Child Support You Receive

Once a judge issues a child support order, both parents are required to honor that order. However, it is possible for you to request a modification of your child support order. If you are the recipient spouse, you can seek more money from your ex-spouse.

To be successful in seeking a modification for more child support, you will need to demonstrate there has been a substantial change in circumstances for either you or your spouse. Examples of substantial changes that could lead to child support increases include:

• Increases in non-custodial parent’s income: Significant changes in the income of the non-custodial parent could result in modifications to the child support order. Typically there will need to be an increase of at least 10 percent if there is also to be an increase in the amount of child support they pay.
• Decrease in custodial parent’s income: If you have experienced a significant decrease in your income (again, probably at least 10 percent), you might be able to pursue more money in child support, even if just temporarily, so as to offset your income losses and maintain a standard of living for your children. This is most likely to happen if a parent involuntarily loses a job.
• Increase in the child’s needs: Substantial increases in the child’s needs could result in a need for increased child support. This could include sudden medical expenses, new educational expenses or general increase to cost of living.

For more information about seeking a modification to your child support order, contact a trusted Long Island family attorney at Bryan L. Salamone & Associates.