While establishing a child support order helps ensure a stable upbringing for your children, it does not imply that you have no legal grounds to update your child support costs. In most cases, the courts will review and approve modification requests to help parents and their children adapt to their recent change of circumstances.
To provide a better understanding of this topic, here are two key factors about Wisconsin’s child support modification processes:
When can I update my child support order?
When you and/or your children go through a notable change in your lives, you may request for a review and update of your existing child support order. To start with the process, you must file a petition titled “notice of motion and motion to change” with your county’s clerk of court office.
Four common reasons why parents seek a child support modification include:
- They received a job promotion
- They have been involuntarily demoted or laid off from their job
- There is a change in custody or parenting time arrangements
- Their children have higher educational and/or medical expenses
However, if you and your ex-partner both agree to the new support amount, you only need to submit a completed “stipulation and order to amend judgment” form with your local county’s clerk of court office.
How do I submit my petition?
Your petition must be submitted to the court that issued your original child support order. Your form needs to include a detailed reason for the change and supporting documents that can help justify your request. You can file this on your own or with the help of a family law attorney.
Additionally, your request must be fair and aimed at your children’s best interests. After filing, you must inform your ex-partner of the request by serving them a copy of your petition.
You and your children will be okay
By learning about the state’s child support laws and modification processes, you can file your petition with ease and leave your lingering financial worries behind you.