How can parents adjust a child support order?

In Massachusetts, parents can adjust a child support order through a formal request to the courts to modify the order. Parents can only make a formal motion to modify a child support order if their circumstances have substantially changed since the date the order was issued. If either parent has experienced a significant change in income, medical expenses, or any other personal circumstance that affects his or her ability to pay, he or she may request a modification. If either party wishes to make a formal motion to modify, he or she should contact the Probate and Family Court in their district to request a court hearing and present relevant evidence regarding the change in circumstances. During the hearing, the court will determine if the parent has indeed experienced a substantial change and, if so, will issue a new child support order which may be more or less than the original order. In addition, if the parent responsible for paying child support experiences a sudden change in income, he or she can inform the Massachusetts Department of Revenue. The Department of Revenue can review the case and, if the change in income is substantiated, will automatically adjust the amount of the child support order without the need for a court hearing. Overall, parents may adjust a child support order in Massachusetts through a formal request to the court or by informing the Department of Revenue if there has been a substantial change in circumstances or income.

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How can parents adjust a child support order?

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