Can I adjust child support after the divorce?
June 28, 2023 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Alexander Hartmann
Sebastian Krause is 35 years old and has been married for 10 years. He has two children aged 4 and 7. Unfortunately, the marriage is not going well anymore and Sebastian and his wife have decided to get a divorce. Sebastian is worried about the financial future of his children. He works full-time as an engineer and earns a good salary. His wife has been a homemaker and took care of the children.
Sebastian wonders if he can adjust the child support after the divorce. He wants to make sure that his children are still well taken care of, but he doesn't know how much support he has to pay and if he can possibly adjust the amount of support if his financial situation changes. He is also worried whether his wife might have difficulty re-entering the workforce due to her long time as a homemaker and how that could affect the support.
Sebastian would like to know if it is possible to adjust the child support after the divorce and what steps he needs to take to achieve this. He wants to ensure that his children are still well taken care of and that both parents are contributing. Sebastian is seeking advice and support to find the best possible solution for all parties involved.
Dear Sebastian Krause,
I understand your concerns about the financial future of your children after the divorce, and I would like to help you clarify your questions regarding child support.
First and foremost, it is important to know that child support is one of the most important financial obligations of parents in a divorce. This support is meant to ensure that the children are adequately provided for even after the separation. The amount of child support is usually based on the income of both parents as well as the needs of the children.
As an engineer earning a good salary, you will most likely be required to pay a reasonable amount as child support. This amount is typically calculated using the so-called Düsseldorf Table, which is used by family courts as a guideline. The table takes into account the net income of both parents as well as the age of the children.
If your financial situation changes in the future, for example due to job loss or a salary increase, you have the option to request a modification of child support. In this case, you would need to file a request with the appropriate family court and provide evidence of your changed financial circumstances. The court will then assess whether an adjustment to the support is justified.
Regarding your concern about your wife, who has been a homemaker and may have difficulties re-entering the workforce, this could indeed affect the amount of support. If your wife is unable to work or can only work limited hours due to caring for the children, this will be taken into consideration in the calculation of support.
I recommend that you consult with an experienced family law attorney to discuss your individual situation in more detail and to find a tailored solution. An attorney can help you navigate the process of appropriately adjusting child support after the divorce and ensure that all parties are treated fairly.
I wish you success and hope that you and your wife can reach an agreement that is in the best interest of your children.
Best regards,
Alexander Hartmann
Divorce Lawyer
