Can child support payments be reduced or suspended?

Yes, child support payments can be reduced or suspended in California. The court may modify a child support order if either parent has experienced a material change in circumstances since the order was issued. These changes include a change in the needs of the child or a change in the ability of either parent to pay. If the paying parent has experienced a loss of income or job, they can petition the court to have the support payments reduced or suspended. However, in order to qualify, they must demonstrate that their decreased income is a result of circumstances beyond their control, such as a job loss, illness, or injury. The custodial parent may also petition the court for a change in the order if their child’s needs have changed. They must demonstrate that the child’s needs are no longer being met with the current amount of support. This can occur if the child requires additional medical expenses or childcare expenses that the current support order does not cover. In either case, the court will consider both parents’ incomes, financial resources, and child’s needs in order to determine if a change in the order is appropriate. If the court approves the request, the child support order will be modified.

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Can child support payments be reduced or suspended?

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