I have just started a new retail shop and I am having to get my head around my legal responsibilities. There is a lot to consider when you are employing people as well as having customers and suppliers interacting with your business every day. We are a successful business and part of staying successful is making sure that the business is set up correctly and that we look after everyone involved legally. This blog has tips for new retail store owners to help them understand what legal issues they can manage themselves and when it's time to get advice from a lawyer.
If you separate from your child's mother or father, you're almost certainly going to need a child support agreement to ensure the child's financial needs are provided for. This is calculated by looking at factors such as each parent's current income, the amount of time children spend with each parent and the number of children you and the other parent have.
However, child support agreements are not set in stone, and there are several situations that can allow for a child support modification. Here are just five common reasons to contact a family lawyer and seek a child support modification.
1. Change in Financial Situation
If one parent finds themselves suddenly earning significantly more or less than they did when the agreement was first reached, a petition can be filed to reflect that change in the child support payments. Common circumstances include losing a job or business, a cut in salary, or an increase in business income. Since earning potential as well as current earnings are considered when support agreements are made, any increases in pay generally need to be substantial or unanticipated.
2. Health Issues
Health issues with either parent can change their ability to provide financial support and their ability to care for a child, so any significant problems can be reflected in a child support modification. This may also apply if a change in your child's health impacts the level of support they require.
3. Change in Expenses
The costs associated with raising a child tend to change over time. For example, they may require more or less care as time passes. These expenses can mean one parent ends up paying more than their fair share, so any significant change in expenses can be considered a cause for modifying child support.
4. Change in Care Arrangements
Sometimes the amount of time each parent is responsible for a child will change over the years. Since providing more care generally increases costs for one parent while decreasing them for the other, any change in the percentage of care provided can be grounds for a modification. However, you'll generally need to ensure these changes are documented in good time.
5. You Have New Children
If you have another child with a new partner, this may need to be reflected in a modified child support agreement. This may also be the case if you have to arrange another child support assessment with another party.
Share9 September 2022
