Child support and changing needs

Having children is expensive, and it can seem as if the cost of raising children only increases as they get older. The list of needs and wants expands to include more expensive items. Add in supplies and fees for sports and other extracurricular activities, and it can seem as if all of your money is spent before it arrives in your bank account. While determining child support is rarely a pleasant process between the two parties, determining if the child support amount needs to be modified can lead to more contention.

It’s important to understand that like anything else involving the children, child support orders are not set in stone. The family courts understand that the needs of the children change as they get older and what may have been appropriate at the time of the divorce may no longer fit years later.

Custodial parents may be worried about asking for a child support review because of fear of upsetting their ex-spouse and creating tension. This may be especially true in cases where the couple is fairly civil and is able to communicate appropriately most of the time. These parents may wonder if it’s really worth it to risk upsetting the other parent by pursuing a review of the child support order.

It’s also normal for noncustodial parents to feel like they are already paying more than their fair share in child support and to balk at any review requests. However, it is important for both parties to remember that child support is to further the best interests of the children. If the family situation has changed, a child support review may be the appropriate choice, and an attorney can help you understand what all is involved.

Laughlin & Company Lawyers Mediators
2755 Lougheed Hwy #710, Port Coquitlam, BC V3B 5Y9
(604) 945-4370