Can a PA Child Support Agreement be Modified?

Written by Anthony Piccirilli

In Pennsylvania, after the initial child support agreement has been made, a parent may modify it. However, a parent cannot modify a child support agreement just because they feel like it. There needs to be a significant life change that makes a child support modification necessary.

If you would like to modify a child support agreement in Pennsylvania, call an experienced Pittsburgh child support lawyer today at (412) 471-5100 or use our online contact form. We can inform you of whether your situation warrants a child support modification and guide you through the process if it does.

Common Life Changes That May Lead to a Child Support Modification

Typically, a judge will only modify a child support agreement if there has been a drastic change in circumstances. The severity of the change will dictate whether the modification will be temporary or permanent. Several examples of life changes that may convince a judge to approve a child support modification include:

Loss of Income

If a parent loses their job or their income becomes drastically lower, the court may consider changing a child support agreement. This is because a parent’s loss of income may disrupt the stability of a child’s life.

Increase in Income

In the event one parent experiences a significant increase in their income because of a raise, promotion, new job, or another reason, there may be grounds to modify a child support agreement as net income has changed.

Change in the Child’s Expenses

If a child becomes diagnosed with a serious medical condition or has another need that comes with substantial expenses, the child support agreement may need to modify to accommodate these unforeseen expenses.

Increase in Cost of Living

If a parent moves for a new job or another reason to an area where the cost of living is higher, a child support modification may be made. There needs to be proof that the housing, school, extracurricular activities, and other expenses are significantly more in the new location.

Change in Additional Support

When one spouse no longer receives alimony or another type of additional support, the child’s standard of living may be disrupted. If this is the case, a child support modification may be granted.

When Child Support Modifications Are Not Granted

Pennsylvania divorce judges review each child support modification request carefully. They may deny a request for the following reasons:

• A parent is requesting a reduction in child support when they are in a position to make the current payments.
• The main motive for the child support modification request was that the other parent got remarried.
• The parent seeking the change has quit their job, switched to another job, or stopped searching for a job on purpose.
• The parent who would like a child support reduction enjoys the same lifestyle despite changes in marital status and finances.

How a Pennsylvania Child Support Lawyer Can Help

If you are wondering whether you can modify a child support agreement in Pennsylvania, it’s important to reach out to a child support lawyer right away. They can answer any questions you may have about modifying child support and let you know whether a judge is likely to approve or deny your request for modification. In addition, you can count on them to guide you through the process of initiating request.

Contact Pittsburgh Divorce & Family Law, LLC

Do you wish to modify a child support agreement? If so, it is in your best interest to consult an experienced Pittsburgh child support lawyer at Pittsburgh Divorce & Family Law, LLC. We are well-versed in the modification of child support and can inform you of your legal options. Call us at (412) 471-5100 today or use our online contact form.