Happy Father & Son

The unemployment rate in 2020 jumped an astounding 423 percent across the state of Utah after the COVID-19 pandemic settled in. There is no doubt that many people have been negatively impacted by the virus, whether it is the illness of themselves or relatives or loss of income. During these times of crisis, having financial difficulties can only exacerbate the situation. If you are paying child support from your earnings and those earnings have changed, it is wise to speak to a Utah child support attorney for help. Likewise, if your income has changed and child support payments are not enough, you may be able to get an adjustment as well. Here are a few things to know about having your child support adjusted due to COVID-19.

Reduced Income May Qualify You for Reduced Child Support Payments

Utah allows for child support adjustments to happen in only a few ways and only when certain situations apply. If it has been longer than three years since your child support payments have been modified, you can submit a petition for modification. To qualify for the petition to modify child support there must be a 10 percent or more difference between what you are currently paying and the proposed payment amount.
If you have had an adjustment within the last three years, you can also submit a petition to have your payment amounts adjusted. However, there has to be at least a 15 percent amount difference. You must also be able to show:

  • There has been a change in the wealth or assets of the parents involved
  • There has been a 30 percent or more income change
  • There has been a change in the ability to earn an income

A Reduction In Income Can Qualify You to Receive More Child Support as the Custodial Parent

Just as parents who are struggling to pay child support may be able to have what they pay adjusted due to COVID-19, parents who receive child support may also be able to have adjustments if their situation has been affected. The prior mentioned criteria for filing for a petition for child support modification still applies for the custodial parent looking for payment adjustments. For example, if the child support has been adjusted within the last three years, you will only be able to file a petition if your own income has dropped at least by 30 percent.

Reach Out to a Child Support Lawyer Utah for Advice

Overall, the times of financial uncertainty spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic have made it hard for a lot of people. Whether you are responsible for paying child support or receive child support payments as a custodial parent, you may have logical cause to request an adjustment in the state of Utah. Reach out to your local child support office to find out what you may be eligible to do. If you need help with your child support case in Utah, reach out to us at the Law Office of David Pedrazas, PLLC for advice.

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