Question:
What proof is needed to show you lost income due to COVID-19 and deserve a reduction in child support?
Answer:
Stephen Babe
I do not practice law in your state. Therefore, I cannot inform you as to the specific laws of your state, but I can provide you with general tips for this sort of issue.
Your situation is common for many people at this point in time due to income changes that have been caused by COVID-19. Many of the questions you pose have complex answers that are fact-dependent, and the outcome can change based on the factors of your case.
If your state is anything like Iowa, to be successful in requesting reduction in child support, then there are numerous factors that the court can consider in order to decide if a modification of child support is proper under the circumstances, including whether or not your reduction in income is due to your fault (being fired for cause or quitting your job) or due to other voluntary actions that you have taken to reduce your income.
Further, there may need to be a consideration as to whether your change in income is expected to be permanent or only temporary, and if it is only expected to be temporary, then the number of months, in which this reduction in income is expected to be temporary, may be a factor that will be considered in this analysis of whether or not a modification of child support is justified.
You will need an experienced attorney to help you with your case, in order to maximize your potential for being successful in obtaining a modification of child support in this circumstance.
To arrange an initial consultation to discuss divorce rights for men with a Cordell & Cordell attorney, including Iowa divorce lawyer Stephen Babe, contact Cordell & Cordell.
Dan Pearce is an Online Editor for Lexicon, focusing on subjects related to the legal services of customers, Cordell & Cordell and Cordell Planning Partners. He has written countless pieces on MensDivorce.com, detailing the plight of men and fathers going through the divorce experience, as well as the issues seniors and their families experience throughout the estate planning journey on ElderCareLaw.com. Mr. Pearce has managed websites and helped create content, such as the Men’s Divorce Newsletter and the YouTube series, “Men’s Divorce Countdown.” He also has been a contributor on both the Men’s Divorce Podcast and ElderTalk with TuckerAllen.
Mr. Pearce assisted in fostering a Cordell Planning Partners practice area specific for Veterans, as they deal with the intricacies of their benefits while planning for the future. He also helped create the Cordell Planning Partners Resource Guide and the Cordell Planning Partners Guide to Alternative Residence Options, specific for seniors with questions regarding their needs and living arrangements.
