Often times, people who are subject to a child support order undergo unforeseeable catastrophic situations that affect their ability to pay child support.  Losing your job, (through no fault of your own) or becoming incapacitated are two examples of such catastrophic changes.  More common one parent’s income either rises dramatically or falls dramatically, due to occupational changes.

A court can modify a child support order based on proof of a “material change in circumstances”.  There is no specific definition of what is a material change.  Thus, a court will determine if there is such a significant alteration of one parent’s financial circumstances such equity requires that the original order be modified.

It is always best to consult an attorney to determine if in fact changes merit court actions.