Can You Modify Child Support After Your Ex Changes Jobs?
Child support obligations are based on both parents’ income and financial circumstances. If your ex has changed jobs, you may be able to request a child support modification—but a job change alone does not automatically qualify.
When Can Child Support Be Modified?
In Indiana, child support modifications require one of two conditions under IC § 31-16-8-1:
A substantial and continuing change in circumstances that makes the current order unreasonable.
An increase or decrease of at least 20% in child support from the existing order based on updated calculations.
This means that simply switching jobs is not enough—you must show that the new job significantly impacts income and changes the child support calculation.
📌 Review Indiana’s child support modification law: IC § 31-16-8-1
Steps to Determine If You Qualify for a Modification
If you suspect your ex’s new job results in higher or lower income, follow these steps to evaluate whether a child support modification is justified:
1. Use the Indiana Child Support Calculator
✅ Start by recalculating child support using the Indiana Child Support Calculator with the updated income.
✅ If you are unsure of their exact salary, you can estimate based on:
Job listings with salary ranges.
Salary comparison sites like Glassdoor or PayScale.
Your ex’s past income history.
📌 Learn more about child support calculations: How Indiana Courts Calculate Child Support
2. Determine If the Change Meets the Legal Standard
✅ If the recalculated support amount differs by 20% or more, you likely qualify for a modification.
✅ If the current order is unreasonable due to financial hardship, a court may also consider a modification.
3. Gather Evidence to Support Your Claim
To request a modification, you need proof of your ex’s job change and new income. This can include:
✔ Pay stubs from the new job (if available).
✔ Employment verification requests through discovery.
✔ Salary estimates based on job market data.
Filing for a Child Support Modification in Indiana
If your review shows that a modification is justified, you can file a Petition to Modify Child Support in the court that issued the original support order.
Steps to File for a Modification:
1️⃣ Complete a Petition for Modification – This is a legal request to change the support order.
2️⃣ Submit Financial Documentation – Include income records to support your claim.
3️⃣ Attend a Hearing (if required) – The court may schedule a hearing to review the modification request.
📌 Need help filing for a modification? Schedule a consultation with Vining Legal today.
Final Thoughts: Should You Modify Child Support?
If your ex’s job change has substantially increased or decreased their income, a modification may be warranted. However, it’s important to ensure the modification meets Indiana’s legal standards before filing.
🔹 If you believe your child support order needs to be adjusted, Vining Legal can help you evaluate your options and file a petition if necessary.
📞 Call or text (317) 759-3225 or Schedule a Consultation today.
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