In California, a court determines a child support obligation on the current obligor's ability to pay. As many people understand - especially in this economy - a person's income is subject to change. It may go up or it may go down depending on the individual's sources of income. When there is a change in circumstances, either the paying or non-paying parent can request a child support modification.

We wrote in the past about the trouble that former NFL wide-receiver Terrell Owens was having when it came to making his court-obligated support payments for his four children. The payments ranged from $5,000 to $20,000 per child per month.

Owens has played in the NFL for a number of years, most importantly when the support determinations were made. The amount of each obligation was based on his NFL paycheck, endorsements and other income at the time. Owens has since then taken a leave from the NFL and has been unable to sign a contract with any team. This acted as the basis for his request for modification.

The family court judge not only agreed that the change in circumstances warranted a reduction in support payments, but he also heard Owens' request for additional time with his children. The judge agreed to an increase in visitation.

The exact details of the modification became confidential information after the judge sealed the new child support order. However, sources close to the athlete said that the new order "accurately reflects the amount of money [Terrell] is making."

Source: examiner.com, "Terrell Owens wins big in child support case," Kelly Cozzone, Feb. 6, 2012