Material Change to Justify Modification of Child Support

There are some points of interest relative to child support modifications. If the child support was initially the result of a Court Order you can seek a modification upon a show of material change in financial circumstances. Generally any increase or decrease in the child support amount (not necessarily a decrease or increase in the income) that would increase or decrease the child support by 25% is a material change of financial circumstances. If however the child support was arrived at by agreement between the parties and that agreement was later incorporated in the judgment of divorce, then the child support can be modified only upon the showing of (1) that the modification of the child support is in the child(ren) best interest and (2) that the new proposed child support figure is in the child(ren) best interest. I have located cases in Maryland where the Court has reduced the child support as it was in the kids best interest. Mostly the cases revolve around a changed circumstance of course and the impact of the change circumstances on the payer's ability to maintain visitation and or relationships with the children. Apparently Maryland will forgo money in exchange for fostering relationships and quality contact between parent and child.