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Strong Legal Support For Families In Transition

Child Support Modification Attorneys Supporting Parents In Anchorage

In Alaska, you can modify child support, especially when you or the other parent has experienced a change in income. Whether a promotion or mass layoff has occurred, a modification can help better accommodate your child financially or assist when you can no longer pay the original support amount.

At Eschbacher & Eschbacher, your problems will become our team’s problems. Our caring and compassionate family law attorneys in Anchorage will help you navigate state and local rules on child support modifications.

Modifying Child Support According To Alaska Laws

Either parent can request a decrease or increase of child support payments with the Alaska Child Support Enforcement Division (CSED) or courts. If you are planning to do so, you must prove a material change in circumstances that results in a calculated child support obligation that is 15% or more higher or lower than the existing order. A significant shift in your parenting or physical custody plan is another valid reason.

If approved, the changes will only apply to future payments. Any past-due amounts remain the same, meaning you still have to pay the original amount for the months you have missed.

Steps To Take For Modifying Child Support In Anchorage

You must first determine the kind of order you have. The steps for filing an administrative child support order with the CSED include the following:

  • Either parent must request a modification directly with the agency.
  • The filing must contain both parents’ financial records, such as federal income tax returns for the past two years, annual wage statements, pay stubs for the last three months and proof of health insurance coverage.
  • The CSED reviews the provided documents, then approves the modification without court involvement.

The process differs from court-ordered child support in the following ways:

  • Either parent should file a motion to modify with the same court district that issued the original order.
  • The filing parent must serve copies of all filed documents to the other.
  • The non-filing parent can respond to the motion after being served.
  • If the motion is uncontested, then the court will move to review and issue an updated order.
  • Disputed cases may need a hearing to review the financial records of both parties and determine the new obligation.

If you are unsure which kind of order you have, one of our child support modification attorneys in Anchorage can review your case.

Child Support Modification Attorneys Answering Common Questions

Below, our team addresses frequently asked questions about child support modifications in Anchorage, Alaska.

Can I modify child support without going back to court?

Yes, you can. If you have a court order, you do not need to attend a hearing to determine updates, provided that both parents agree on the new support amount. If you have an administrative order from the CSED, the modification process will not involve court interference.

How much does my income need to change before I can modify child support in Alaska?

Under Alaska law, there should be at least a 15% variance between your existing order and the new calculated order amount.

What are my options if my ex-spouse tries to decrease child support payments through voluntary underemployment or unemployment?

You can request the court or the CSED to impute income based on your ex-spouse’s earning capacity.

Do You Have Further Questions? Our Team Can Answer Them In Detail.

As a parent, you want to ensure that your child receives the financial support they need and avoid legal complications. Our lawyers fully understand these concerns and will strive to find a solution that works for your situation. You are welcome to schedule an appointment by calling 866-653-4212 or submitting a contact form online.