Under Wisconsin’s child support laws, separated or divorced parents can request a decrease or increase in their child support amount if they experience a significant change of circumstances. This procedure helps provide flexibility for the parent’s recent employment or lifestyle change.
To help you gain a deeper understanding of the process, here are two things you need to know about Wisconsin’s child support:
When can I update my child support?
Either parent who goes through a notable change in their employment or their children’s educational and healthcare needs may request an update in their child support. To start with the process, you must file a petition with your county’s clerk of courts.
Your petition must include a detailed reason explaining the request, as well as substantial proof of your or your family’s change of circumstances. Five examples of these include:
- When one parent is promoted in their job
- When one parent is laid off from their job
- When there is an addition to either parent’s family
- When there is a change in custody or parenting time arrangements
- When there are higher expenses involving the educational or medical needs of their children
It is important to note that the courts review the cases individually and may not have a definitive timeline.
How can I submit my request?
You must file your petition with the court that issued your original child support order. For your request for child support modification to be considered, it must also include supporting evidence (e.g., pay stubs, tax returns or proof of unemployment). After filing, you must inform your ex-partner of the request by serving them a copy of your petition.
By learning about Wisconsin’s child support modification laws and proper filing procedure, you can resolve any of your lingering financial worries and proceed with your petition with poise.
