Franklin, Columbia & Brentwood Child Support Modifications Lawyers

Franklin, Columbia & Brentwood Child Support Modifications Lawyers

Our Tennessee child support modification attorneys petition the court after a substantial change in your financial circumstances

Once the court issues an order for child support, that order stays in place until another court order changes it. It is not up to either spouse to decide unilaterally or together to start operating on a new agreement. Certainly, they can come to an understanding, but until the court ratifies that new agreement, the old one stays in place and has the force of law. To ensure that you remain in compliance with the court, you must petition for a modification of your support orders. For more than 20 years, the Franklin child support modification lawyers at the Law Offices of Adrian H. Altshuler & Associates have assisted clients in actions to modify support orders.

How can we help?

Why would I need to modify my Franklin child support arrangement?

Common reasons for modifying a child support agreement include:

  • Changes in income: If either parent's income has significantly increased or decreased, this could be grounds for modifying the agreement. For example, if the paying parent loses their job or receives a promotion, the amount of child support they are obligated to pay may need to be adjusted.
  • Changes in the child's needs: As children grow older, their needs change. If a child develops a medical condition or requires additional extracurricular activities, this could necessitate an increase in child support.
  • Changes in childcare arrangements: If the child's living arrangements change, such as moving in with the other parent or spending more time with each parent, this could also affect the child support amount.
  • Other substantial changes in circumstances: Other significant life events, such as remarriage, disability, or incarceration, could also be grounds for modifying the agreement.

It’s important to note that even if you have a reason to believe your child support agreement should be modified, you cannot simply stop making payments or change the amount on your own. Any modifications must be approved by the court.

How do I modify my Franklin child support agreement?

Here’s an overview of the steps involved in modifying a Franklin child support agreement:

  • Understand the grounds for modification: Tennessee requires a "significant variance" in circumstances to modify a child support order. This usually means a 15% change in income for either parent, changes in the child's needs, altered childcare arrangements, or other substantial life events significantly impacting financial circumstances.
  • Gather documentation: Collect proof of the changes justifying modification. This could include pay stubs, tax returns, medical bills, childcare receipts, or documentation of other relevant life events.
  • Choose the modification path. You have two options:
    • Administrative review: If both parties agree on the modification, you can file a Petition for Review and Adjustment with the Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS). This is a quicker and less expensive option but requires mutual consent.
    • Court petition: If you disagree or the TDHS denies your administrative request, file a Petition to Modify Child Support Order with the court.
  • Complete required forms: The specific forms depend on your chosen path. You can find them on the TDHS website or obtain them from your local child support office.
  • Serve the other parent: Properly serve the other parent with the petition and supporting documents according to court rules.
  • Attend hearings and provide evidence: If you go the court route, your Franklin child support modification attorney will prepare you to present your case and evidence supporting the modification request. The judge will consider both parties' arguments and financial situations before making a decision.
  • Obtain a court order: If the judge approves your request, they will issue a modified child support order outlining the new terms.

Rest assured, you don’t have to do this alone. The Franklin child support modification lawyer at the Law Offices of Adrian H. Altshuler & Associates can help with the process from beginning to end.

What documents do I need to provide for child support modification?

You may be asked to provide some of the following documents when applying for child support modification:

  • Your income and expenses information
  • Copies of other child support orders
  • Recent paycheck stubs and tax returns
  • Proof of health insurance costs for the children
  • Proof of childcare costs
  • Copies of birth certificates for all children living in your home and who you are legally responsible for
  • Proof of disability

Our Franklin child support modification lawyers can help you gather the documents you need.

Who can request a child support modification in Franklin?

Per the state of Tennessee, the following parties may request modification of a child support order:

  • The custodial person on the case (parent, grandparent, caregiver, etc.)
  • The noncustodial parent on the case (mother or father)
  • Child Support agencies

How much does a child support modification cost in Franklin?

The cost of a child support modification in Tennessee can vary depending on several factors, including whether you hire an attorney and the complexity of your case. Generally, there are filing fees associated with requesting a child support modification through the court system. These fees can vary by county and are subject to change, so it's advisable to check with the specific court where you plan to file. In Franklin, this is the Williamson County court system.

Additionally, if you choose to hire a lawyer to assist you with the modification process, you will incur attorney fees. However, working with an attorney can help ensure all paperwork and documentation are filled out and filed correctly. If you have any questions, please contact our Franklin child support modification attorneys today.

Is child support tied to child custody?

It’s a challenge to maintain strict schedules of visitation for active youngsters who are engaged in multiple activities, but truth be told, some custodial parents actively obstruct their ex’s efforts to spend parenting time with a child. When that happens, the noncustodial parent’s first thought may be to withhold child support or alimony payments. This type of self-help is ultimately self-defeating, because it puts the noncustodial parent outside the law. Attorney Adrian Altshuler has done much work on fathers’ rights, especially in the area of visitation rights, and can help you obtain court enforcement.

Do you have a Franklin child support modification attorney near me?

We offer three locations to better serve our Tennessee clients:

Franklin Office
219 3rd Avenue N.
Franklin, Tennessee 37064-2504

Columbia Office
604 North High Street
Columbia, Tennessee 38401

Brentwood Office
1616 Liberty Blvd #363
Brentwood, TN 37027

We can also schedule video or phone consultations for your convenience.

Contact a Franklin child support lawyer with extensive experience handling order modifications

Do you have questions regarding a child support modification? Come to the Law Offices of Adrian H. Altshuler & Associates for informed guidance. We are here to help with all of your family law matters. To talk to a skilled and experienced attorney, call our offices or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We serve clients out of our Franklin, Brentwood, and Columbia offices.