As a Colorado parent, you understand the importance of being an active and involved parent after a divorce, and this includes maintaining your financial responsibilities. If you are the non-custodial parent, you will have to make child support payments that will go toward expenses related to the care and upkeep of your children. Certain factors in your own life, such as changes in your job, could affect your ability to continue making these payments regularly.
If you find yourself in a position in which you are unable to continue making these payments according to the terms of your original child support agreement, there are options available to you. It may be possible to modify the terms of your agreement, but these changes only receive approval in certain circumstances. One valid reason is a job change that impacts your financial capabilities.
Changing a support order
If your find yourself in a situation where you are currently unable to make your child support payments, you may have grounds to seek a modification. If you lost your job, are currently looking for higher-paying employment or recently took a job that pays less than your former one, you can take steps to ensure that your support order matches your current financial capabilities. Some common reasons why a modification may be necessary include the following:
- There has been a significant change in what the child needs.
- The parent experienced a change in their financial circumstances.
- The supporting parent has other children to support.
- One parent is currently incarcerated.
- The supporting parent is newly disabled or unable to work for any reason.
- There has been an increase in the cost of living.
The two parents may be able to agree to the changes that are necessary in the support order, but it is prudent to still seek the approval of the court. By taking the appropriate steps to formalize any changes, you will lower the chance that you will become involved in a dispute with the other parent.
Your parental rights
If you are unable to continue with your child support payments altogether or must seek to pay a lesser amount, this does not impact your parental rights. A modification to your child support order should not affect your custody and visitation order at all. If you believe you have grounds to seek a post-divorce modification or you have concerns about how these changes could affect your access to your kids, you may benefit from learning more about the legal options available to you.