If you and your child’s other parent no longer have a romantic relationship, but the two of you have a Missouri child support order in place, a time may come when one or both of you wish to modify that agreement. Maybe the child once lived with you, but now he or she primarily resides with your former partner, or perhaps the opposite is true. Conversely, maybe your child now takes part in numerous extracurricular activities, and you need help footing the bill for them. At Turken & Porzenski, L.L.C., we understand the types of situations that may warrant a child support modification, and we have helped many clients whose former partners contest the modification prepare for child support hearings.
Per the Missouri Judiciary, changing the amount of child support you currently pay or receive typically involves modifying your existing parenting plan. When your partner disagrees with your request to change the amount of your child support order, the two of you must attend a hearing, and there are certain steps you can take in advance of that hearing to improve your chances of a favorable outcome.
First, you must call the court clerk ahead of your hearing to ensure all your ducks are in a row, meaning your former partner is aware of the hearing and that you have taken care of all required paperwork. Second, you will want to make sure you have all documentation needed with regard to expenses and anything else you might use to argue the need for a child support modification. The more familiar you are with the specifics of your case, the more likely you are to be able to hit all the important points when arguing your side.
On the day of your hearing, make sure all your witnesses are ready to show up and advocate on your behalf, and make sure to dress appropriately. “Business casual” is a good rule of thumb when it comes to dressing for court. Finally, show up early to ensure you have plenty of time to make it through security and prep for the hearing itself, and remember to exercise restraint and courtesy when dealing with everyone in the court room. Find more about child support on our web page.
