While you should always follow a court order for child support, that does not mean that the court cannot change the order. This is important to know when you pay child support in Indiana. You may run into situations where things change and you need to have the order reevaluated by the court. You should understand how to go about asking for a change to your child support, so if you need one, you know how to get it.
The State of Indiana explains that you can only modify a child support order in specific cases. In fact, there must be a permanent change of circumstances that is substantial. Permanent just means that it is not a temporary change. Substantial means it must make a 20 percent change in your child support liability. Both you and the person receiving the support have the right to request modifications.
Changes may come about due to the loss of a job or a change in income for either you or the person receiving the support. You could request a change because your parenting time has changed or the expenses for raising the child have changed.
It is also important to be aware that once your child reaches the age of 19, you are no longer obligated to pay child support, but you must go to court to request a change in your child support order. You cannot just stop paying support when your child turns 19. You need the child support order modified to exclude that child. This information is for education and is not legal advice.
