Modification of Child Support and Parenting Plans

In any domestic relations matter involving children, a judge or commissioner will sign final orders governing custody and financial support of the children.

Once a child support order or parenting plan is finalized, there are limited options for modifying it in the future. We work with clients to determine if modifications are feasible, such as:
• Increasing the amount of child support that you receive
• Decreasing the amount you pay each month
• Modifying the final parenting plan due to a family move or other change in circumstances since the order was entered

A common reason that a parenting plan needs to be modified is that one parent wants to move and the original plan will no longer be workable. This may only require a minor modification of details such as the exchange point. If the move takes the children out of their current school district, the process gets more complicated. Under Washington’s relocation statute, a parent is entitled to notice and an opportunity to object to a move under those circumstances. If the children do not reside with you the majority of the time and you learn that the other parent is planning to move the children out of district, you have a limited amount of time to object. The court will then determine whether to permit the other parent to move with the children, and if the move is approved, the parenting plan will be modified accordingly.

Be sure to contact our office immediately if you are planning a move or learn that the other parent is planning to do so, in order to ensure that your rights to your children are protected.