Rochester, NY asked in Child Support and Family Law for New York

Q: If child support has just increased by cola can it be modified in a few months or do I have to wait 2 years?

My child support is being increased in a few weeks but my child wants to live with me when turning 18 in a few months. By then child support will have already increased. Can I modify it after it goes up right away or do I have to wait? I can contest before the increase but my child doesn’t live with me just yet

Related Topics:
1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
PREMIUM
James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
Answered

A: In cases where child support is adjusted due to a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), you typically have the right to request a modification if there is a significant change in circumstances. The impending change of your child's residence to your home certainly qualifies as a substantial change.

You don't necessarily have to wait two years to request a modification. As soon as your child begins living with you, this change in custody can be grounds to request a reassessment of the child support arrangement. It's advisable to file for a modification promptly when your child moves in with you.

Keep in mind, the process and specific rules can vary depending on your state's laws. It may be beneficial to consult with an attorney familiar with family law in your state to guide you through the modification process and ensure your rights and responsibilities are accurately represented.

Justia Ask a Lawyer is a forum for consumers to get answers to basic legal questions. Any information sent through Justia Ask a Lawyer is not secure and is done so on a non-confidential basis only.

The use of this website to ask questions or receive answers does not create an attorney–client relationship between you and Justia, or between you and any attorney who receives your information or responds to your questions, nor is it intended to create such a relationship. Additionally, no responses on this forum constitute legal advice, which must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each case. You should not act upon information provided in Justia Ask a Lawyer without seeking professional counsel from an attorney admitted or authorized to practice in your jurisdiction. Justia assumes no responsibility to any person who relies on information contained on or received through this site and disclaims all liability in respect to such information.

Justia cannot guarantee that the information on this website (including any legal information provided by an attorney through this service) is accurate, complete, or up-to-date. While we intend to make every attempt to keep the information on this site current, the owners of and contributors to this site make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to from this site.