During the divorce process, many parents struggle to agree on child custody arrangements and child support payments. Even when they finally agree to certain terms, they may decide to revisit the issue and modify their child custody and support agreement months or years later.
In order for a court to modify an agreement, parties must prove that there is a significant change in circumstances that warrants the modification. For example, California courts will often consider changing a child support order if there is a change in income of one or both parents, incarceration, loss of a job, or a change in child’s needs.
Kevin Federline, backup dancer and ex-husband of pop singer, Britney Spears, is attempting to modify the former couple’s existing child support order. Federline is basing his request on the fact that the two children he shares with Spears are older and have different needs now than they did when they agreement was first reached. He also contends that his and Spears’ financial situations have changed since the order was first implemented.
If you have a change of circumstances that may warrant a modification to your child support order, it is important to note that courts will generally only change future child support payments. In other words, you will still owe the same amount for any back payments owed. Parents who wish to proceed with their modification request should file the appropriate paperwork with the court and collect all necessary information, including financial records, insurance information and employment records for both parents. Once the new child support order has been granted by the judge, both parents are legally obligated to abide by the terms of the order.
Source: E! News, “Britney Spears’ Ex-Husband Kevin Federline Requesting Increase in Child Support,” Mike Vulpo, Feb. 24, 2018