Our South Carolina family law attorneys at David W. Martin Law Group understand that when you finalize your divorce, circumstances typically change significantly years later. Although physical and emotional changes are normally the first recognizable signs that life is moving forward, financial changes are equally as prominent.
While the financial changes of being a single parent are typically offset by alimony and child support, chances are, your kids’ needs will change as they age. This is especially true for relationships that dissolve when the children are young, which means your child support needs will change, too.
While general increases in the cost of living can affect the ability to cover basic expenses like housing, food, and clothing, older children, particularly teenagers, often incur higher costs related to education, social activities, and personal needs.
Other circumstances might include the custodial parent taking on a significantly larger share of parenting time or the non-custodial parent reducing their visitation, leading to higher expenses based on timeshare. The question is, how do you ask for more child support in South Carolina if a legal agreement is already in place? We have answers.
Outline the Valid Reasons You Need More Child Support from the Other South Carolina Parent
In South Carolina, child support modification refers to the legal process of changing the terms of an existing child support order due to a substantial change in circumstances.
Examples include:
- Increased Needs of the Child: Higher education, healthcare, or extracurricular expenses.
- Change in Income: Significant increase or decrease in either parent’s income.
- Changes in Custody or Visitation: The custody arrangement adjustment affects financial responsibilities.
- Cost of Living Adjustments: Significant changes in the cost of living.
To pursue child support modification in South Carolina, you must file a formal petition with the family court that issued the original child support order.
That includes:
- Submitting detailed financial information and evidence of the changed circumstances.
- Providing supporting documents such as pay stubs, tax returns, medical bills, and receipts for child-related expenses.
- Any documentation related to changes in custody or visitation.
Our South Carolina family law attorneys can be invaluable in pursuing a child support modification by guiding you through the legal complexities and ensuring all procedural requirements are met.
We will draft and file the necessary petition, ensuring it accurately reflects the substantial change in circumstances that justifies the modification. We will also gather and present compelling evidence, such as financial documents and expense records, to support your case.
Once the legal process is completed, a court hearing will be scheduled, during which both parties can present their cases. We will represent you during court hearings, effectively arguing on your behalf and addressing any challenges from the opposing party.
The judge will review the evidence and determine if a modification is justified.
Are You Seeking Modification of Child Support in South Carolina?
Contact our David W. Martin Law Group child support modification attorneys in South Carolina today by calling (803)-548-2468 or contact us online to ensure your rights are protected throughout the legal process so you can confidently move forward.
