Legal Question in Family Law in Massachusetts

You need to file a modification action. A judge lacks the power to change an order retroactive before the date that a modification is filed and served on the other side. The sooner you file and serve the modification action, the sooner the judge can consider giving you relief.

You need to file for a modification of child support based on change in circumstances. You need to do it ASAP as nothing will change until you get infront of a judge.

If you need assistance please feel free to contact me.

Frist, go to your courthouse and ask for a Complaint for Modification form. The filing fee will be $55.00 and you will receive a summons in the mail. You need to serve that summons along with a copy of the Complaint on your former spouse/other parent. While you are at the courthouse, also ask for a Motion form, as you will need to file and schedule for hearing a Motion for Temporary Orders. Until then, your child support order will remain the same and any failure on your part to abide by the current Judgment could result in your former spouse/other parent filing a Complaint for Contempt.

If you are able to retain counsel, it would be beneficial to do so. You will need to show the judge that your decreased income warrants a reduction in child support.