A parent cannot argue for a different outcome after a judge finalizes a child support order in California. The order is legally binding from its time of decree. No appeals process exists for child support judgments in divorce cases. A parent could request a child support order modification later, however, in certain situations. A support order modification is an official request submitted to a judge asking for an alteration to the original decree based on a change in circumstances.
Either parent lost a job
Either parent had a demotion or reduction in hours
One or both parents had a significant change in income
One parent is in jail
One parent had a child from a different relationship
The child is spending a different amount of time with either parent
The child’s needs have changed in ways that require more or less financial support
Other changes occurred in the conditions used to calculate the original support order
If one of these circumstances applies to you, a judge may grant your request to modify the child support order. The judge may increase or decrease the amount of the order depending on the case. It is ultimately up to the judge whether to accept or deny the modification request, as well as how much to change the original order. The judge will always decide according to what is in the child’s best interest.