There are many people in Illinois who are currently under orders to pay child support. A child support order is based on the economic situation of both parents at the time child support is set in order to meet the child’s financial needs. The orders can work well while the economic situations remain the same, but circumstances change throughout a child’s life. People sometimes lose jobs or are forced to take a job making less money and sometimes people start to make much more money. When the circumstances change, a child support order may need to be modified.
Peter Orszag’s ex-wife is currently attempting to modify their child support agreement. Orszag, the former director of the Congressional Budget Office and former economic advisor to Bill Clinton, is now a Citigroup executive making close to $4 million a year. He has millions in liquid assets as well. He and his ex-wife agreed to modify their child support order about six years ago, but his ex-wife is now seeking more. She is asking Orszag to pay $25,000 a month, claiming he is making much more than he did in 2008.
As noted above, circumstances change throughout the life of a child. When they do, either parent can bring a motion to modify child support. They can ask that the obligation increase or decrease depending on the specific circumstances. However, there must be a significant change in the circumstances one way or the other for child support to be modified. The parties can negotiate or mediate as well prior to going to court as well and attempt to resolve the dispute amicably. However, if an agreement cannot be reached, a judge will decide the matter and until a new order is signed, the previous order remains in effect and must be followed.
Many people in Illinois have seen their circumstances change throughout the life of their children. They may be able to seek a modification if the old child support order no longer reflects the current situation. Attorneys understand child support modifications and may be able to guide one through the process.
Source: Politico, “Peter Orszag riches public in child-support trial” Lucy McCalmont, March 12, 2014