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Child support reduced without court order. Legal?

I have been receiving the same amount of child support for my two sons for the past 8 years. My oldest son turned 18 in June (younger one is 15) and shortly after my ex decided to cut my child support in half. He didn't talk to me about it...just did it. I have always assumed that it would be reduced, but isn't that something that only a judge can change legally? Is he in contempt of court by breaking a court order? It probably isn't relevant, but my 18 year old son has graduated from high school but still lives with me and works part time.

I think I just need to talk to my attorney, but in the meantime I was wondering if any of you had any insight for me.

Thanks so much!

11 Answers

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    Sorry, but the other answer is WRONG. In order for the child support to be changed in any way (up or down), the parents have to go back to court and a judge has to give an adjustment order because you have another child. They will need to recalculate based on your current incomes.

    Support for 1 child is NOT half of support for 2 children. He will end up owing you back support for what he missed and it will not look good that he just did this on his own. He should have spoke with an attorney about 3 months before the child turned 18 so they could have made plans to get you all back in court for the adjustment.

    Even though you're the "other side," I will be honest with you and tell you that you need to talk with an attorney and reassure you that you're right. I don't know if he is in contempt of court, but he is now in default of his child support even though he will disagree. The judge will take care of it. The lawyers will get too much money.

    Finally, since it has been 8 years since your last calculation of support and his income has increased more than yours has, it is very likely he will pay MORE than he did before. ooops!

    Added: You should have support recalculated every 3 to 5 years and if either party has a large change in income.

    Who is the bonehead who gave me a thumbs down? Sorry, but you are WRONG. I've been in the thick of this for years.

    Source(s): I know what I'm talking about. Divorced with children... waiting for the next birthday (18).
  • 1 decade ago

    You should definitely talk to your attorney, but in the meantime, you should check your divorce decree. It is usually written in there that the child support will reduce when the oldest child emancipates, and sometimes they will say a percentage that it will reduce by. If it's in your decree, he probably doesn't need a court order to reduce the payment. If it's not in there, then he might be in contempt but will probably end up with a reduction in his child support in the end anyway.

  • 5 years ago

    It's going to be pretty painful after breaking up with someone you love so much. It's inevitable that you're going to feel very down, sad and depressed. Sometimes it seems you spend every waking moment thinking about how to get your ex back. Try to visit this site in order to get the best benefit out of it https://tr.im/2hOwa

    Do a simple search, and you're bound to find a plethora of information, with a whole host of different opinions, sometimes seemingly off opposing viewpoints. To focus in on something that's going to help you, the first thing you think about is establishing some common courtesy.

    First off, NEVER play mind games with people. This will only get people hurt and will probably end up worsening the situation. I only mention this because naturally people are ruled by their emotions rather than thinking their actions through thoroughly. Think the situation through before doing things based on your emotions. Remember, even if you do manage to get people to do what you want, this amounts to manipulation, and however good you feel now, I guarantee it won't last very long.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    Support stopped for the 18 year old. Doesn't matter if he is still living with you. Your ex husband may have gotten an order and you just don't know...or the original order may have said that support stops at 18, if the child is not continuing school.

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  • CoeyG
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago

    What does the order of support say? If support is only until the kids turn 18 then of course he can cut the support in half, he doesn't NEED a court order because it is already in the papers. Yeah you'd better talk with your lawyer because you obviously didn't understand your divorce papers when you signed them.

  • LIPPIE
    Lv 7
    1 decade ago

    The child support was cut in half because your oldest turned 18 and he is not longer responsible to pay for him. If he still lives at home, then he needs to get a full time job and pay you rent and help with the food. There was a court order for him to pay child support until the child turned 18 and he honored that order and did nothing wrong.

  • JustMe
    Lv 6
    1 decade ago

    Yes, it needs to go through the court. It will be reduced, but not by half. He's living in a dream world.

    Even though the 18 year old still lives with you, your ex's financial obligation to him is over.

  • Spring
    Lv 5
    1 decade ago

    yes it has to go through the courts. Yes support for your 18 year old son will stop but it won't cut what you did get in half.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    Talk to your attorney. Only a judge can reduce this. Not him.

    He is 18 though, so it will be reduced, regardless. Just not by him.

  • 1 decade ago

    Do talk to your lawyer. In my divorce, the child support stopped when my kid graduated highschool, or turned 18.

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