This is the first post in a series in which I will be explaining how a Las Vegas parent can go about modifying an existing child support order. Throughout this series I will be providing information which may apply to either the payor, who requires a reduction in their monthly payment, and the payee who believes they are entitled to more money.
Throughout the course of this series I will be explaining the end to end process of what a parent on either side must do if they require a modification of the child support order. Topics I will be writing on further include:
- Who is eligible to have their child support modified
- How the Court determines what a parent’s monthly income is
- What the process of filing for a child support modification looks like
- Conducting Discovery is and when a parent is lying about their finances, income, and expenses
- Importance of modifying the payment to avoid going into arrears
If a couple breaks up when the children are relatively young then there is a good chance that at least one parent will request a modification to the original child support order during the time the children are minors. Throughout the years, a parent may enjoy a promotion at work or lose their job. Whenever a parent’s income level shifts it has the potential to affect the amount of money the State will require that parent to pay. The Clark County Family Court is sympathetic to a parent who has lost a lucrative job and can no longer make large payments but they also expect a parent to share the wealth with their children as their career takes off.
Most parents who file for a modification to the child support order do so because they are struggling with bills. One area which is important to understand is that child support is separate from any medical bills a child accrues. In Nevada, parents are required to split the cost of all medical bills 50-50. This means that if a child unexpectedly gets sick or injured then the primary custody parent should not have to ask for more money, because the secondary parent is already required to help with the extra cost. If a parent refuses to pay their fair share then one should speak to their attorney. However, splitting the cost of one time medical bills is not the same as requesting a permanent change to the monthly child support.
If you are a Las Vegas parent and believe you are eligible for a child support modification, it is important to speak with an attorney immediately. Contact our office today to schedule a consultation.