Nothing in this world is perfect – and no one knows this better than survivors of divorce. After all, when you have seen a marriage go from passionate beginnings to bitter endings, it is easy to see that everything is in a state of constant change, and what works in one scenario or time period may not work so well in another.
This is also true of child support orders issued during the course of a divorce. What may have been sensible and workable at the time can change at several points during the course of the children’s childhood years. How can a Greeley, CO child support modification be attained?
Three Year Cycle
According to Colorado law, parents may request that the court review child support orders with an eye towards adjusting them every three years. The courts will, not automatically engage in a systematic review of child support, but if the existing order is three or more years old, it is a simple matter of asking for a Greeley, CO child support modification.
If the existing order is less than three years old, however, the parents can still request a review and possible Greeley, CO child support modification. However, in these instances the parent must provide the court with evidence of a “substantial and continuing”’ change in their living situation.
Substantial and Continuing
The legal standard for “substantial and continuing” changes in parents’ circumstances is a 10% variance from what is contained in the existing order. These changes would include aspects such as
- Loss of income
- Increase in spouse’s income
- Illness
- Increase in expenses attached to the child’s support (e.g., tuitions, medical fees)
When presented with legitimate evidence of such a substantial shift, most courts will revise the support order.