When your child support order was first established, it reflected the financial realities for that moment in time. However, life rarely stays the same, and what was fair and workable at the time of a divorce or separation may no longer reflect your current situation. Whether your income has changed, your child has developed new needs, or custody arrangements have shifted, you may have options for revisiting what the court originally ordered.
At Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C., we understand how much is at stake when financial support for your child is on the line. Our child support lawyers have been helping families across Montgomery County, Bucks County, and surrounding southeastern Pennsylvania navigate these sensitive matters for decades. Recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a “Best Law Firm” and AV-Rated by Martindale-Hubbell, we bring legal knowledge and dedication to handle your case in the way your family deserves.
What Does Pennsylvania Law Require to Modify Child Support?
Pennsylvania courts do not modify child support orders simply because one party is unhappy with the amount. Under Pennsylvania Rule of Civil Procedure 1910.19, a petition for modification must specifically allege a material and substantial change in circumstances since the last order was entered. This is the legal threshold that must be met before the court will consider altering the existing arrangement.
A modification can work in either direction, meaning the court may increase or decrease the amount depending on the nature of the change and what the evidence shows. Modifications do not happen automatically. They require one parent to formally petition the Domestic Relations Section (DRS) in the county where the order was originally issued, after which a conference is typically scheduled for both parents to present relevant financial information.
Common Circumstances That May Justify a Modification
Life events that significantly affect income, expenses, or custody arrangements are often at the heart of modification requests. Several qualifying circumstances commonly arise under Pennsylvania family law, and understanding them can help you determine whether filing a petition makes sense for your situation.
Changes in Income
A substantial increase or decrease in either parent’s earnings is one of the most common reasons to seek a modification. Job loss, a significant promotion, demotion, or a change in employment status can all affect the fairness of an existing support order. If the paying parent has experienced a major income increase, the receiving parent may have grounds to request higher payments, while a paying parent who has lost their job may be entitled to relief.
Changes in the Child’s Needs
As children grow, their needs evolve. Medical diagnoses, educational requirements, and special services can create costs that were never anticipated when the original order was put in place. Pennsylvania courts keep the child’s best interests central to any support decision, and a significant increase in a child’s expenses can form a legitimate basis for modification.
Changes in Custody Arrangements
Child support calculations in Pennsylvania are tied in part to how much time a child spends with each parent. If the child custody arrangement has changed since the order was entered, the support obligation may need to be adjusted as well. A parent who now has much more parenting time may have grounds to request a reduction, while a parent who has taken on more daily care responsibilities may have grounds to seek an increase.
How the Modification Process Works
Requesting a modification begins with filing a petition with the Domestic Relations Section in the county that issued the original child support order. The petition must detail the specific change in circumstances you are relying on, and both parties will have the opportunity to present documentation at a conference. If the parties cannot reach an agreement, the matter may be referred to a judge for a hearing.
One mistake many parents make is reaching informal verbal agreements to change support payments without involving the court. An oral agreement is not enforceable, and if the paying parent reduces payments based on a handshake deal, arrears can still accumulate under the original order. If you have previously explored how to increase child support payments, you know how important it is to follow the proper legal process from start to finish.
Contact Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. to Discuss Your Options
Navigating a child support modification can feel overwhelming, especially when the financial well-being of your child hangs in the balance. Our team at Rubin, Glickman, Steinberg & Gifford, P.C. combines over 65 years of legal representation with a genuine commitment to the families we serve throughout Montgomery and Bucks Counties.
Whether you are seeking to increase, decrease, or better understand your support obligations, we are here to help you pursue the outcome that best protects your child’s future. Reach out today by visiting our contact page to schedule a consultation with one of our family law attorneys.
