Indiana law is fairly specific about when you can ask for a child support modification. You may do so when there are significant changes to the situation that might make a modification necessary. You may also do so 12 months after the last child support order in certain cases.

If you’re not sure if you can successfully seek a child support modification but feel that something does need to change with your support agreement, consider speaking to a family law attorney. An experienced lawyer can help you understand all your options and what the right next steps for you and your family might be.

In the meantime, keep reading below to find out more about child support modifications, including who can ask for them and when it may be time to seek one.

A child support modification is any change to a child support order that is already in place. Modifications can raise or lower the amount of support one parent must pay the other.

Either parent can request a child support modification—not just the person receiving the support.

When Does Indiana Law Allow a Request for a Child Support Modification?

Indiana law provides two times when a child support modification is appropriate. The first is a change of circumstance. This change must:

  • Be substantial in nature
  • Be continual
  • Make the current child support order unreasonable

The second time when Indiana law allows a child support modification is when both of the following conditions are met:

  • It has been 12 months since the most recent child support order
  • If child support were calculated today, it would be at least 20% more or less than the current order

Understanding these two circumstances is crucial for parents who want to know when they can seek a modification. The law is designed to ensure that child support arrangements remain fair and reflective of the current situation of both parents and the child. It recognizes that life changes such as shifts in employment status, changes in income, or adjustments in parenting time can significantly impact the financial responsibilities involved.

The requirement that the change be substantial and continuing means that temporary or minor changes are generally not enough to warrant a modification. This protects both parents from frequent and unnecessary court interventions while ensuring that genuine changes in circumstances can be addressed.

The 12-month rule coupled with the 20% difference threshold serves as a safeguard to prevent constant fluctuations in child support payments due to minor income changes or temporary financial shifts. This rule encourages stability and predictability in child support arrangements, which benefits both the child and the parents.

Parents considering requesting a modification should carefully document the changes in their circumstances and be prepared to provide evidence such as employment records, tax returns, and documentation of healthcare costs or childcare expenses.

Consulting with a family law attorney can help parents understand how these factors may impact their case and assist in preparing a strong petition for modification.

By knowing when and how to request a child support modification under Indiana law, co-parents can better navigate the legal process and ensure that child support payments remain fair and appropriate to their current situation.

What Counts as a Substantial Change?

If you can demonstrate a substantial change in circumstances, you may be able to get a child support modification without waiting for 12 months. The Indiana guidelines on modification list the following as “substantial and continuing change:”

  • One of the parents of the child or children becomes incarcerated
  • One of the parents of the child or children experiences a large change in income
  • A parenting plan is applied to the situation
  • One or both of the parents fails to comply with a parenting plan that is already applied
  • One of the parents of the child or children loses their job
  • There is a significant change in expenses associated with raising one of the children
  • Another child is born to either of the parents

For example, if a child is injured and is diagnosed with a disability as a result of that injury, this could lead to extra expenses in caring for the child. If the disability and those expenses are expected to continue long-term, this may count as a substantial and continuing change.

In another example, one parent may work full-time but have their hours cut back to part-time due to a recession. If that parent is unable to get other work elsewhere, a substantial and continual change in income may be at play.

If you don’t have a situation that can be counted as a substantial and continuing change, then you have to apply the 12-month rule. The reason the 12-month rule exists is to keep parents from applying for modifications every time there is a slight shift in income or other factors. The law also requires that there be at least a 20% difference for the modification to keep parents from tying up the courts for modifications of smaller amounts.

For example, say someone is ordered to pay $300 in child support. People’s incomes don’t stay exactly the same, and perhaps this person received a small raise after a year. Calculating support based on that new income amount would bring it to $310 per month. That’s not a difference of 20% or more, so a child support modification would probably not be allowed in this case.

Note that the courts do consider both sides of any child support matter and may deviate from calculations in some cases.

For example, if the court applies guidelines and the new child support amount would create a financial hardship for the parent who has to pay it, the court may consider phasing in the extra support. That way, someone doesn’t go from one amount to a significantly higher amount of payments immediately.

How Hard Is It to Get Child Support Modified?

Getting a child support modification in Indiana is possible, but it may take a bit of work. First, you have to decide if you have a child support case for modification.

Then, you have to make that case to the court. This can include presenting information and evidence about your expenses and income as well as reviewing similar information provided by the other parent.

An experienced child support lawyer can help you make a case for modification to ensure your children are properly supported or that you are paying what is fair under the law.

If you think your child support should be modified—whether you’re the parent receiving it or paying it—contact the Law Office of Deidra N. Haynes to find out how we can help.

Preparing to File for Modification

Before filing for a modification, it is important to gather all relevant documents that demonstrate the changes in your financial situation or custody arrangement. This may include recent pay stubs, tax returns, medical bills, childcare receipts, and any documents related to changes in parenting time or custody.

Filing the Petition

Once you have determined that you qualify for a modification and have gathered the necessary evidence, the next step is filing a petition with the court that issued the original child support order. The petition should clearly state the reasons for the requested modification and include supporting documentation.

Serving the Other Parent

After filing, the other parent must be officially notified of the petition. This allows them the opportunity to respond or contest the modification request. Proper service of documents is essential to ensure the court process proceeds smoothly.

Court Hearing and Decision

If both parents agree to the modification, the court may approve it without a hearing. However, if there is disagreement, a hearing will be scheduled where both parties can present their evidence and arguments. The judge will then determine if the modification is justified based on Indiana law and the best interests of the child.

Role of a Family Law Attorney

Navigating the legal requirements and court procedures can be complex, especially when dealing with sensitive family matters. A family law attorney can assist in determining if you qualify for a modification, help prepare and file the necessary documents, and represent you in court to advocate for a fair outcome.

Importance of Timely Action

It is important to act promptly once you recognize a significant change in circumstances that may warrant a child support modification. Delaying the process could result in continued payments that do not reflect your current situation, or missed opportunities to adjust support in accordance with your child’s needs.