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Modifying Child Support Obligations In Everett And Snohomish County

Circumstances change for everyone at different times. A child support arrangement can work perfectly for many years after a divorce, only to be rendered obsolete as a result of one instant change in one of the parent’s circumstances.

At Akiona Law, PLLC, our team of attorneys helps clients throughout Washington with every aspect of the child support modification process. We offer powerful, skilled and detailed legal representation focused on finding the best results through the most efficient process for all of our clients, which often means using alternative dispute resolution.

Instead of taking this contentious matter to court, you can try working together to resolve the issue through negotiations, mediation or collaborative law. People often find that in addition to being faster than traditional litigation, these methods are less expensive and less adversarial. We will work with you to reach an agreement that is fair to both parties.

Causes For Support Modifications

The court does intend for initial divorce decrees to be binding and permanent. Although the court is willing to modify child support judgments and agreements, it will typically require a substantial change in circumstances to legitimize the modification.

Some examples of substantial changes in circumstances include:

Loss of earning capacity of the supporting parent: Job loss, serious illness or injury, disability or other negative cause can prevent the support parent from being able to maintain the same level of financial support for the children.

Increase in the costs associated with raising the children: The costs of raising a child can go up; such as, when the child’s age places the child in a higher bracket for child support or the child is 18 but support needs to be extended so the child can complete high school. A child going off to college is another reason why the child support order may need to be changed to reflect the child’s need for postsecondary support.

Modification in the parenting plan: When the parties alter the parenting plan/child custody arrangement, like when the child is living with the nonprimary residential parent or the non-custodial parent. Or when the parent who had primary custody relocates and one parent is paying for all the airfare costs. That may change the level of support, requiring a modification in the child support arrangement.

Using negotiation or mediation, our team can help you come to a prearranged child support modification agreement and present your petition to the court.

Finding Peace With Child Support Modifications

To schedule a consultation to discuss your child support modification matter with a team of lawyers, call 425-740-2209 or contact us online. In addition to representing people from Everett, we help people in Seattle and King County.

Our Testimonials

"I would recommend this firm in a heartbeat. In tough times, the firm reassured me and handled the big things along with the small. You guys have been awesome. I could not have asked for a better person to represent me. Thanks Lani and of course, all of the staff there. You guys have been top notch."

– T.N., Everett, WA

"Thank you all for the support and guidance that you gave me these past couple years! I wouldn't have been able to navigate this entire process without the Akiona Law team."

– Britney, Snohomish County client

"I wanted to thank everyone at Akiona Law for helping me out with my case and helping with receiving the best representation I can possibly get. Everyone was honest, upfront, and helpful with my situation and always gave straightforward advice on how to handle each situation."

– Cherry, Snohomish County

"The Akiona Law Team is professional, honest, reliable and knowledgeable! I’ve used them many times over the years and they’ve always helped me through my legal needs. They are responsive and provide me with information and options at every turn in my case so I feel fully informed and comfortable before taking the next step. I’d refer Akiona Law to family and friends in a heartbeat!"

– C.W.

"Everyone at Akiona Law, thank you so much for your help on my case! I so appreciate all the work that you've done!"

– Snohomish County, divorce client

“Going through a divorce is never easy, and mine was particularly challenging for several reasons. However, the team at Akiona Law was a beacon of support throughout the entire process.
They were incredibly patient and understanding, even when I was stressed and emotional. (Let's just say, I wasn't always the easiest client to deal with!) Special thanks to Beckie, the paralegal, whose calm demeanor kept me grounded during a very crazy time.
I truly appreciate the hard work and dedication of the entire Akiona Law team. They made a difficult situation much more manageable. I highly recommend!“

- Kevin, Everett, WA