As some Oklahoma residents may find, changing a child support order can be a complicated ordeal. This is especially true when each spouse does not agree to the change. That being said, in some circumstances a child support modification can be reached.

Actor and musician Marc Anthony has been ordered to pay $26,000 a month in child support to his ex-wife. The couple has two children together. His ex-wife initially received $13,400 a month, but has since requested $123,426 a month, a request that was denied by the court She claimed that her life and needs have altered since the couple’s 2004 divorce. She also requested that Anthony pay for a housekeeper and nanny, which would amount to an additional $7,000 a month. Per the terms of their divorce settlement, she also retained a house, membership to a golf club, two vehicles as well as money to be used for vacations.

A dispute had arisen as to how much time Anthony spent with his sons. Anthony’s ex claimed he only saw his children 35 days a year. However, Anthony maintained that in 2012 he had his children on a number of weekends, half of their summer vacation, one week during spring break and one week in winter, totaling 71 days in all.

Disputes regarding child support will often arise if one parent believes their lives have significantly changed since the initial divorce decree was created. Paying parents may request a modification due to a change in their income, perhaps due to a job loss or a serious illness. Receiving parents may request a child support modification if they believe their income or financial needs have also changed since the time the original child support order was made. When this happens, parents can petition the court for a child support modification.

Receiving a child support modification is not always easy. Even if a couple mutually agrees to the change, the court still must approve it. In addition, a modification will usually only be granted if the party requesting the modification can show there has been a significant change in circumstances necessitating the change. The court will usually change a child support modification order only where there is proof it would truly be in the best interests of the child, as this remains the paramount interest for all parties.