Q: How does relocation affect my Massachusetts child support order?
I have a court order in Massachusetts requiring me to pay child support for my two college-attending children. I plan to voluntarily relocate across the country within the next year, and I would like to modify the child support order due to my relocation. I am currently estranged from my children and have not yet consulted anyone about this change. How will the relocation impact my child support payments, and what steps should I take to seek a modification of the order?
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A:
Relocating across the country can potentially affect your child support order, especially if the relocation impacts your ability to visit or communicate with your children. However, child support orders are typically based on the financial needs of the children and the parents' ability to pay, not on the physical proximity between the parent and children. If your income or financial situation changes due to the relocation, this may be grounds for requesting a modification of the child support order.
To seek a modification, you will need to file a petition with the Massachusetts court that issued the original order. In your petition, you should explain the reasons for your move, any changes to your income or financial situation, and any other relevant circumstances. The court will review the request and may adjust the child support payments based on the new circumstances.
It’s also important to consider how your estrangement from your children may influence the process. If communication with your children has been limited, this may not automatically affect your child support obligations, but it’s something you may want to address in the modification request. Consulting with a family law attorney can help guide you through the process and ensure that your request is properly filed and supported.
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