- SEATTLE: 206-621-1110
- TACOMA: 253-572-1000
Seattle and Tacoma Child Support Modification Attorneys
Helping to obtain necessary changes to child support orders
Washington courts issue orders for the payment of monthly support based on calculations set out by the law. Such calculations are based on the number of children, each parent’s income, certain expenses, special needs of the children, and other factors at the time the order is issued. Of course, circumstances can change, and a child support order that was once appropriate may now require modification.
There is a specific procedure for requesting the modification of child support orders, and courts will not simply approve such modifications in all situations. For this reason, if you wish to modify your child support order, you should always seek the assistance of an experienced family law attorney at the Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess in Seattle and Tacoma. Please do not hesitate to call us at (206) 621-1110 or (253) 572-1000 to discuss a possible case.
Proving a substantial change in circumstances
In order to obtain a child support modification, you must petition the court and submit certain forms. In order for a modification to be ordered, at least two years must have passed since the original order or at least one parent must show that there has been a substantial change in their financial circumstances. Some examples of events that may constitute a substantial change in financial circumstances are as follows:
- Loss of a job
- Illness or disability that limits the capability to work
- Increased special needs of a child
- Remarriage or divorce of one of the parents
- New employment with substantially higher income
If you are ordered to pay child support and have lost your job or suffered other financial hardship, our attorneys can help you modify a support order so that you may support your children and yourself.
Making sure children are sufficiently supported
In some situations, however, a parent ordered to pay child support may purposefully choose to change their financial circumstances to have a support order modified. For example, a parent may quit a higher paying career and choose to work in a much lower paying job with the expectation that the required child support payments will decrease. A court recognizes this possibility and will make sure the children continue to be adequately supported by both parents. At the Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, we know how to argue that a parent has intentionally lowered their income in an attempt to defraud the court.
Whether you are the paying or receiving parent, you may find yourself back in court for a potential child support modification. You should always have representation from an experienced child support attorney to preserve your rights in such cases. Call the Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess for help at (206) 621-1110 or (253) 572-1000 in Seattle or Tacoma.
Attorney Robert Dickson
The core of Rob’s legal practice is civil litigation, with an emphasis on construction, real estate, and business law. He represents a wide range of clients, from large construction companies to individual homeowners. His is a practical approach to law, which strives to balance the need for a successful legal outcome with a client’s financial goals (or constraints). Outside of his private practice, Rob serves as an adjunct professor at the Seattle University School of Law where he teaches real estate litigation. [ Attorney Bio ]
Thomas L. Dickson
Tom is an experienced litigator and the founding partner of the firm. For over 30 years, he’s helped clients prevail in their real estate, construction, and business law matters.
Heather Burgess
Heather represents property owners and developers in all phases of real estate development, from pre-acquisition due diligence through local permitting and appeals.
Robert P. Dickson
The core of Rob’s legal practice is civil litigation, with an emphasis on construction, real estate, and business law. He represents a wide range of clients, from large construction companies to individual homeowners.
Daniel J. Frohlich
Dan’s legal practice focuses on civil litigation, real estate law, business law and probate law. He has more than 10 years of experience as an attorney serving clients throughout Western Washington.
Mark S. Johnson
Mark’s legal practice focuses on civil litigation, real estate law, business law and family law. He works tirelessly to help his clients achieve the outcome they are looking for.
Trevor A. Zandell
Since graduating with honors from law school in 2005, Trevor has been serving the legal needs of businesses, individuals, and families across Southwest Washington.
Daniel E. Pizarro
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, Daniel is active in the firm’s civil litigation department. His practice is mainly centered around real estate law, landlord-tenant law, construction law, and probate law.
Alexander J. Wisbey
Alexander Wisbey comes to the firm with 5 years of experience as a litigator and trial attorney. He has first chaired several jury trials and has extensive experience handling arbitrations, mediations, depositions, and settlements.
Andrew Hata
Andrew is the head of our Transactional Department and focuses his practice on corporate governance, real estate transactions, commercial contracts, and corporate finance.
Kelley Duggan
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, Kelley practices in a wide range of areas, including estate planning, probate, civil litigation, and intellectual property law.
Cambria A. Queen
Cambria is an Associate with Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess in the civil litigation department, where she practices primarily real estate and probate law.
George Knight
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, George is active in the firm’s civil litigation and transactional departments. His practice is mainly centered around business law, real estate law, construction law, employment law, and probate law.
Chris Pierce-Wright
Chris comes to Phillips Burgess Tacoma from Seattle, where he served as an associate attorney focused on insurance litigation with Wilson Smith Cochran Dickerson.
Lacey L. Hatch
Lacey has developed an in-depth knowledge and has successfully advised clients in an array of land use matters, including project review, code drafting and interpretation, as well as a variety of litigation pertinent to land use issues.
Jennifer Yoo
Jennifer is an associate attorney at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess where her current practice focuses on real estate law, contract and commercial disputes, and business law.
Katherine E. Baals
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, Katherine practices in a range of areas, including real estate, construction, business, and civil litigation.
Kenneth Chan
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, PLLC, Kenny is active in the firm’s civil litigation and transactional departments. Prior to working at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, Kenny was an in-house attorney for a Fortune 100 company.
Brian Buske
Following his graduation from Lewis & Clark Law School, Brian garnered valuable client experience working on international compliance and intellectual property issues.
