“How do I lower my child support when I get a lower paying job?”
You bring a motion with the Court and ask them to lower it. Ideally you will have a lawyer do this, because the Courts are notorious for not playing nice with people who represent themselves in family law, but if you cannot afford an attorney, you should ask the clerk at the courthouse how to file a motion to reduce your child support.
Whatever you do, do not rely on an agreement made with your ex but not signed by the Court. Child support is unique in that, in many states, even if you have an agreement in writing, if it is not cemented by an order of the Court, it is invalid. I know many a person who has reduced their child support following an agreement with their ex, only to have the Court tell them months - and even years - later that they owed a massive amount of back support based on the old amount because the agreement had not gone through the Court.
Recommended Reading (click on the picture for details):
What is the Kiddie Tax?
Is the Cost of Insurance Included in Child Support?
My Ex Wants to Pay a Smaller Amount for Child Support and he Move Out of State, Which State has Jurisdiction?
For more on this subject check out these categories: Family Law, Child Support
Anne P. Mitchell, Esq. is a noted family law expert, Internet law expert, and Professor of Law at Lincoln Law School of San Jose. Contact This Author
State laws vary, and the above is intended as general advice, and not direct legal advice regarding any one particular situation in any one state. For direct personal legal advice related to your own situation you should consult an attorney familiar with the laws of your state and with your situation.
