This form is used to justify a modification of a child support order, a court must find that there has been a change in the material circumstances of the parties or the children since the time of the original order. The burden of proving a change of circumstances is on the party seeking the modification.
A District of Columbia Motion to Modify or Amend Divorce Decree to Provide for an Increase in Amount of Child Support is a legal request made by a parent to the court to modify or amend the existing child support order in a divorce decree to ensure the child's financial needs are adequately met. This motion is relevant when circumstances change since the divorce was finalized, requiring a higher amount of child support to support the child's upbringing. In the District of Columbia, there are different types of motions to modify or amend a divorce decree to increase child support. These may include: 1. Motion based on a change in income: If one or both parents experience a significant change in their income, such as obtaining a higher-paying job or experiencing a reduction in income, a motion can be filed to adjust the child support amount accordingly. This recognizes that the child's needs should be proportionally supported by the parents' income. 2. Motion based on increased expenses: If there has been a substantial increase in the child's expenses, such as medical bills, educational expenses, or extracurricular activities, a motion can be filed to request a modification in child support to cover these additional costs. This ensures that the child's changing needs are met adequately. 3. Motion based on a change in custody arrangements: If there has been a significant change in the custody arrangements since the original divorce decree was issued, such as a change in primary custody from one parent to the other, a motion can be filed to adjust the child support amount to align with the current custody arrangement. 4. Motion based on a change in the child's needs: As children grow, their needs evolve. If the child's needs have changed substantially since the divorce, such as necessitating specialized medical care, therapy, or education, a motion can be filed to increase child support to ensure those needs are met effectively. 5. Motion based on cost of living adjustments: In some cases, a motion can be filed to request an automatic adjustment in the child support amount based on cost of living increases. This ensures that the child support amount remains in line with changes in the general cost of living. When filing a District of Columbia Motion to Modify or Amend a Divorce Decree to Provide for an Increase in Amount of Child Support, it is essential to gather relevant financial information, supporting documentation, and provide a detailed explanation of the reasons for the requested increase. Working with an attorney experienced in family law and child support matters is recommended to navigate this complex legal process effectively.
