My child support was set 3 years ago when I made way less money. I got a promotion and my ex immediately wants to revisit it. Part of me feels like I should just do it to keep the peace but another part thinks this could become a pattern. Should I just agree or hire a lawyer? What's the typical process for modification?
This is a tricky situation. If you got a real raise you have a legitimate case to ask for a modification. Did you document the promotion and salary increase? That's usually what they want to see.
Congrats on the promotion though, that's huge. Just know that even if it goes up, you're still providing better for your kids in the long run.
Got promoted myself a few years back and had the same gut feeling. Thing is, child support is supposed to reflect current income, so she's not wrong to ask. Get it recalculated officially and it takes the emotion out of it.
You might be able to petition for a modification if the income change is substantial enough. I'd talk to a lawyer before saying anything to your ex though. What kind of increase are we talking about here?
I get why you want to revisit it but tread carefully. My ex and I had that conversation and it got messy fast. Consider mediation before going back to court.
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Three years is a long time in terms of salary changes. Most states allow modifications if circumstances have changed significantly. Just be prepared for a fight because your ex probably likes the current arrangement.