The Friend of the Court is not required to investigate more than 1 request received from either party each 24 months. Within 180 days after determining a review is required, the Friend of the Court will send notice, conduct a review, and obtain a modification of the order, if appropriate. If the Friend of the Court determines that no change in the order is warranted, then within 30 days of this determination, they shall advise the parties. If either party objects, the Friend of the Court will schedule a hearing before the court on this objection. A word of caution is in order at this point.
Parents are often unaware of the true financial condition of the other parent.
A request from the custodial parent for an increase in child support could actually result in a petition for a decrease being prepared by the Friend of the Court because of a decrease in the other parent's ability to pay. A request for a decrease in child support could result in a petition to increase support based on the increased needs of the child. If the difference between the current amount and the proposed amount is less than the minimum threshold, the Friend of the Court is not required to petition for a change. The Friend of the Court, or either party, may still file a petition for a change in support, even if the minimum threshold is not met. This is known as an Pro Per, or Pro Se, support modification.