Even after a divorce, both parents have a financial obligation to support their children financially. One parent may pay more or less, depending on where the child spends most of their time.
Still, circumstances change, and one parent may want to seek a modification of the child support order.
Indiana’s child support model
On average, it costs approximately $375,000 to raise a child from birth until they turn 18. Indiana uses the “income-shares” model for determining child support, which is based on the idea that children should receive the same proportion of parental income that they would have if both parents lived together. Furthermore, it isn’t easy to separate the adult and child portions for expenses such as housing, utilities and food.
Determining child support considers the combined gross income of both parents and the percentage that each parent contributes to the total amount. Each parent is responsible for their proportionate share of the child’s support. If one parent earns 55% of the combined income, they are expected to be responsible for 55% of the child support obligation.
Either parent can request a modification in child support if there is a substantial and continuing change in circumstances, such as:
- There is a significant change in either parent’s employment or income status, such as losing a job or a significant pay increase.
- The child’s needs have changed, such as medical expenses or educational costs.
- A change in parenting time
- If there are two or more children, the support amount doesn’t automatically change when one child turns 19. The obligated parent would need to request a modification.
If you wish to request a modification in your child support obligation, you will need to gather all the necessary documentation and file a petition for modification. To ensure that you have all the correct information, you will want to reach out to someone who can review your paperwork and assist you with the filing process.
