If you are ordered to make child support payments, it’s very important that you follow that order. A court order in Alaska is binding, and you must do everything in your power to comply with it.
That said, it is possible to modify these child support orders. If you believe the order no longer fits your situation or needs to be altered, you can go to court and request a new order.
Potential reasons for modification
The court will want to know why you are requesting the modification, especially if you are seeking a significant reduction in monthly payments. Some potential reasons may include:
- You have suffered an injury that has left you disabled, so you no longer have an income.
- You recently lost your job, whether due to being laid off for economic reasons or terminated for another reason.
- You got a new job, but it pays less than the job you had when the child support order was initially written.
- You are unable to work in the future because you have been arrested and are facing jail or prison time.
- You have had other children, perhaps in a new relationship, so you need to ensure you have enough money to support them as well.
Modifications can also be based on the child’s needs. The reasons above refer to reducing payments, but child support payments may also need to be increased if the child has special needs, develops an illness, suffers a serious injury or experiences another significant life change.
The key to changing child support payments is to obtain an official modification of the court order. Be sure you understand exactly what steps you need to take to do this legally.