Why Timing Matters When Your Income Changes

Child support orders can be changed when circumstances change significantly. Common reasons include:

•       A job loss or a large change in income for either parent

•       A change in the parenting time schedule

•       New child care or health care costs

The request is usually made on an FL-300 Request for Order with a current FL-150 Income and Expense Declaration and proof of income. Some parents can also ask their local child support agency to review the order.

The most important thing to know is timing. In general, a modification can only go back to the date you filed your request, not the date your circumstances changed (Family Code 3653). If you lose your job in March but don't file until August, you may still owe the old amount for those months.

I've seen parents fall into serious arrears because they waited, hoping things would get better, or relied on an informal agreement with the other parent. Informal agreements generally don't change a court order.

If your situation has changed, file promptly, even if you're still gathering documents.

Related reading: [how California calculates child support](link to Post 31).

If you need to change your child support order, call me at 877-4CA-FCLS (877-422-3257) for a free consultation.