An order for child support can be changed or modified any time there is a material change in circumstances from the time the existing order was issued. If there are changes in a parent's financial situation such as an increase or decrease in wages, loss of a job, or a large inheritance, a child support order can be modified. If a parent is no longer able to spend the same amount of time with a child, or if one or both parents remarry, child support can also be modified. Unexpected expenses for the child such as large medical bills or a need for special education are also grounds for modifying child support. Some changes in child support can be temporary, for example, if one parent loses his or her job, the amount of child support he or she pays may decrease until a new job is found. Then child support payments may increase again based on the parent's new salary. The parent required to pay child support, or the obligor, must submit tax returns, paycheck stubs, and any other evidence of employment to a court so an accurate child support amount may be set. If parents disagree about how a child support order should be modified, a judge will reach a conclusion for them based on the best interests of the child.
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