How Can I Change My Deductions to Lessen Child Support Payments?

If you currently make child support obligations to the other parent of your child, you may want to learn whether a change in your deductions could lessen the monthly payment amount. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides child support information through its Office of Child Support Enforcement. The OCSE explains that each state enforces its own child support guidelines. Child support amounts generally depend on the parent's income, "add-on" amounts for child-related needs and any "deductions" from the parent's income. You should look for information about the child support guidelines used by your state.

• 1

  Learn about your state's guidelines to calculate child support payments and the relevant procedures. Confirm how your state uses deductions to calculate your qualifying income for child support purposes. Understand the difference between mandatory deductions, which the court or child support agency must subtract from your income when calculating your obligation, and discretionary deductions, which the court or agency may consider depending your situation.

• 2

  Identify any mandatory deductions allowed by your state child support agency, such as the amount of taxes owed, mandatory contributions to retirement benefits programs, union dues, health care premiums and child care expenses incurred during your work hours. Learn whether your state allows deductions for the costs of supporting children whom you have with another parent or in a separate child support case. Recognize any discretionary deductions allowed by your state, such as extremely high medical expenses or debts from a former marriage.

• 3

  Read through your current child support order, or consult with the attorney handling your family law case, to find out how the court or child support agency applied any deductions to your income when calculating your payment amount. Identify any additional deductions from the list of those allowed by your state. Use your state child support guidelines to calculate whether you believe additional deductions would result in lower monthly payments. Gather financial documents as evidence of your income and deductions, such as pay stubs, tax statements and copies of your bills.

• 4

  Consider whether your state's laws allow you to ask for a child support change or modification at the present time. For example, the California Courts Self-Help Center states that you may be able to obtain a new child support order if you can show a change in circumstances. Prepare the relevant child support form or court motion, as required by your state, to ask the court or child support agency to recalculate your obligation. Attach any requested supporting documents to prove the change in deductions from your income. Submit your paperwork to the appropriate court or child support agency.