As hard as you try to make your child support payments in full and on time, there could come a point when you realize that this is no longer possible.

If you are unable to afford your child support payments, perhaps due to a change in circumstances, it’s imperative that you know which steps to take.

Here are some of the many tips to follow when requesting a child support modification:

• Don’t wait around any longer. You may hope that your situation improves, but you don’t know when/if this will happen. That’s why you need to get the wheels in motion as soon as possible.
  Learn more. There are child support laws that govern how to request a modification and if your request will be granted. You need to learn more about the laws in your state.
• Reach out to the other parent. If the other parent realizes you are in a difficult spot, he or she may agree to a child support modification for the time being. This can make life much easier on you, as you won’t have to deal with a complex court process.
• Keep up. Until you receive a final determination on your request, you need to keep up with payments to the best of your ability.
• Document your change in circumstances. Did you lose your job? Are you dealing with a serious illness? You will need to prove why you are asking for a child support modification. It’s good to have as much supporting documentation as possible, as this improves your chance of an approval.

Once you do all these things, it’s time to actually file your request for a child support modification. You will want to do so in the same court that initially issued the order.

It’s never an ideal situation, but if you are unable to make your child support payments any longer you need to request a modification.