Modification of Child Support
by Consent Agreement

Of course, the easiest, fastest, and least expensive way of modifying a current child support order is through mutual agreement with your ex. This is referred to as "agreed modification." The important thing to remember is that any agreement with your ex must be signed by a judge to be legal and effective. Should you just make an arrangement with your ex to accept less child support and not have the agreement signed by a judge to modify the existing court order, you will be responsible for any arrearages that accumulate due to your reduced payment amounts. You would need to contact a local attorney, Child Support Enforcement Agency, or Clerk of Court office for more information on how to pursue an agreed modification according to the specific laws governing your state. In many states you will not even need a hearing to finalize the agreed modification. Simply file the papers at the local Clerk of Court office, have your ex sign the appropriate consent and waiver documents, speak with a judge to have the document reviewed and signed, and return the document to the Clerk of Court for recording. If you and your ex cannot agree on a modification to reduce your current child support order, there are still several options available to you.