Many mothers are relieved to know that judges are generally prevented by law in reducing any child support amounts retroactively. If he hasn't paid for the child support because he feels it is too much, and then gets it reduced by the judge, he will still owe you the full amount of child support prior to the reduction for all the previous months.

If the father owes you $1000 per month, then the judge reduces it to $500 per month, you will still be owed the $1000 per month as per the prior agreement if you have not received it yet.

On the same note, you will not be forced to pay back any child support that was paid to you, if the judge does reduce the monthly payments, even if it is reduced by a significant amount.