Child Support Changes: What to Do?

Questioner

More than two years ago I agreed to an amount of child support. The calculations were made on the basis of the fact that my ex was going to live alone with the children. However, she moved in with another man. As a result, her housing costs are much lower than calculated. Can I challenge this now, after 2 years?

Lawyer

The amount of child support can be changed if there are changed circumstances. Because the lady has started living together, it is assumed that she will share her housing costs with her new partner. This may increase her ability to pay, which means that she can be expected to make a greater contribution to the children's living expenses. You can have the child support recalculated. This can be done at the LBIO (National Bureau for the Collection of Maintenance Contributions) at a low rate. Based on this recalculation, you and your ex-wife can agree on a new amount. If the lady does not want to cooperate with this recalculation or if it is not possible to make agreements together, you can hire a lawyer who will make a recalculation and possibly start a procedure to change the child support. Incidentally, this last option is preferable, because it is then determined by a judge. Unfortunately, I cannot predict the outcome of a possible recalculation in your situation (because I do not have all the information).