Seattle child custody modifications are legal actions seeking to alter the terms of an existing child support order. A Seattle child support modification action may be brought upon a showing of a substantial change in circumstances in the lives of either party or the child. Examples of such circumstances include but are not limited to a change in residential schedule, a child turning twelve years old, a change in employment status, or a child wishing to attend school after high school. Seattle child support modifications may be started without a substantial change in circumstances if the order is at least one year old and the current order is a severe economic hardship on the obligor parent. Other factors apply however, and discussion with an attorney experienced in Seattle child support modifications is the best way to understand the law.

When filing Seattle child support modifications you should be prepared to provide evidence of your and the other party’s income. Courts require that you produce a certain amount of tax returns, bank statements, and pay stubs, just as a threshold matter. While Seattle child support modifications set obligations based on the income of the parties generally, courts are allowed to consider other factors, especially if income verification is difficult.

While Seattle child support modifications are often not too complex, they can be tough if one party is not traditionally employed. Washington State family law provides that a parent’s income shall be imputed by the court if that parent is voluntarily underemployed. The process by which income imputation occurs during Seattle child support modifications takes experience and skill to be done right.

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