Child Support Modifications

When Life Changes, Your Child Support Order Should Too

Child support orders are based on a snapshot of each parent’s financial circumstances and the needs of the child at the time the order is issued. But life doesn’t stand still—jobs change, incomes fluctuate, families grow, and children’s needs evolve. At Hernandez Family Law, we help parents request fair and lawful modifications to child support orders when significant life changes make the current arrangement no longer workable.

When Can You Request a Modification?

Under Arizona law, you can request a modification of your child support order if there has been a substantial and continuing change in circumstances. Some of the most common reasons for requesting a modification include:

  • A significant change in either parent’s income

  • Job loss, disability, or promotion

  • A change in the parenting time schedule

  • An increase in childcare or healthcare costs

  • One parent having another child

  • A child reaching the age of majority or becoming emancipated

Whether you’re paying or receiving child support, if your financial situation—or your child’s needs—have changed, you may be entitled to a recalculation of the support amount.

When Can You Request a Modification?
How the Modification Process Works

How the Modification Process Works

Modifying a child support order in Arizona involves filing a formal request with the court. The process typically includes:

1. Filing a Petition: We’ll help you submit the required legal forms to request a review of your current order.
2. Financial Disclosure: Both parties will need to submit updated income and expense documentation.
3. Calculation Using the Arizona Child Support Guidelines: The court uses a standardized formula to determine if a change is justified.
4. Hearing (if necessary): If the modification is contested, the court may schedule a hearing to review the evidence and make a decision.

Do I Need to Go to Court?

Child Support Agreement

Not always. If both parents agree to the change, you can submit a stipulated agreement to the court for approval. However, until a new court order is entered, the original order remains legally enforceable—even if the paying parent is earning less or the child is living with the other parent more often.

At Hernandez Family Law, we make sure your agreement is legally sound and officially recognized by the court, so you aren’t exposed to unnecessary risk.

What If My Ex Won’t Cooperate?

If the other parent won’t agree to a modification—even when circumstances clearly warrant it—you still have options. We’ll help you present a strong case to the court and protect your rights and your child’s well-being. Our team is experienced in litigating high-conflict family law matters, and we’ll stand with you every step of the way.

Don’t Wait—Act Sooner Rather Than Later

One of the most important things to know about child support modifications is that they are not retroactive. That means the court can only change the support amount starting from the date you file your request—not from the date your income changed or your child’s expenses increased. If you wait too long, you could miss out on months of financial relief or risk falling behind on payments.

What If My Ex Won’t Cooperate?

Let’s Update Your Child Support Plan with Confidence

Update Your Child Support Plan with Confidence

At Hernandez Family Law, we believe child support should reflect what’s fair—based on today’s reality, not yesterday’s. If your circumstances have changed, or your current order no longer supports your child’s needs, we’re here to help you pursue a modification that works.

Trusted By Our Clients

Schedule a Consultation Today

Call us to discuss your situation in a confidential consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your options, and help you move forward with a strategy that protects your financial health and your child’s future.

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