I must also add that HER circumstances have drastically changed as well. At the time the agreement was made, she was living alone in the home she and my SO bought together. She wasn't making the payments because she said she didnt have any finanical help paying the mortgage. So the fact that she needed extra money to pay for the roof over her and her sons head was factored into the amount. Well.... the house ended up being foreclosed on because she didnt make a single payment for an entire year, and about 2 months after child support was finalized, she ended up moving in with her boyfriend at his house. And she no longer pays rent or mortgage or utilities or anything. So I really think with all the changing factors, something should change.... right???

This post was edited by blessedlife90 on Thu, Jun 13, 13 at 9:19

You can find the Virginia CS guidelines and a form to request a review for modification online . At bottom of form is reasons allowed to request. If your SO has had substantial 'changes' that meet the guidelines he can decide if he thinks a request is in order.

It really matters little what you, I or anyone else thinks of the amount and/or circumstances ...what matters is what a review panel and the courts will think.

One of the first things he has to consider in requesting a review is the circumstances of the job switch. For example, if he voluntarily changed jobs in a desire for better days/hours vs involuntarily (laid off blah blah). Courts expect parents to work for their full potential earning ability.

thanks justmetoo... does it cost money to have the CS altered or modified? after he pays child support, his half of the rent, and his half of the bills, he litterally has $0 left. He can't afford any extras or child care for his son... much less a lawyer or court fees. not a good situation.

Living expenses for either parent have no bearing on how CS is calculated.

However, the amount of overnight stays a child has with a particular parent do.

Something for you to know, if your SO voluntarily changed to a lower paying job the judge can order his wages be imputed. This means if a judge decides that a parent without just cause (like being laid off) changed jobs, they will calculate CS based off his prior earnings. This is to prevent NCPs from quitting or changing jobs just so they can pay less in CS.

Since the two of you are living together, this affects both of you. Your SO is not a bad dad, but it was pretty stupid thing to do to just sign something that his ex came up with, someone who has every incentive to screw him. I hope he's learned his lesson.

I'm not sure about Virginia, but in NY the judge ordered my ex to pay 17% of his salary. If he took my daughter for the summer he was not expected to give child support for that time...although it never happened lucky if he saw her every other Sunday. He would have to make a court date & go in for change of circumstance. The judge or magistrate will more then likely make adjustments. Keep the faith, things have a way of working out one way or the other.

I have never heard of a state charging for a CS modification. There generally are restrictions as to how often you can request a modification. I doubt how much he has left in his paycheck to pay his expenses will have any bearing on the courts decision. If mom's financial situation has changed, too then he may want to tread cautiously, his support could be raised.

Sounds like it would be in your best interest to go for a modification. A calculator for what CS should be in Virginia can be found here: http://www.alllaw.com/calculators/childsupport/virginia/default.asp .

Here is a link that might be useful: Virginia child support calculator

$500 for CS is very reasonable. Sounds like he made the decision to switch jobs for lower pay. Cut back elsewhere and enjoy the extra time you both have with the child, they grow up fast. Summer has many FREE activities to offer and those are often the best times. Focus less on the CS amount & more on other ways to cut costs. You will all be happier and live in harmony.

Thanks everyone for all of your helpful advice! And DawnSmith, he certainly would never have gotten a lower paying job just to lower his child support. What a silly thing to say! He had to switch jobs due to completely unrelated issues, and he was really upset that he was taking a pay cut. We are certainly happy and enjoying our extra time with him =). He decided that it wasn't worth the fight to try to change the CS. I think $500 is reasonable during the school year, just not during the summer when she watches him half as much. BUT it's probably more worth it to keep the peace than try to ruffle any feathers over money. As I said in my OP, I was just interested in what his options were. Thanks again for everyone's advice.

No, no, I never meant to say he took a lower paying job just to reduce support! I am sorry if it came across like that! Financial situtations will change for both parents now and then, sometimes when it is out of our control! In the end, it's what is best for the kids.