We wrote in October about the complications that former NFL wide-receiver Terrell Owens was having when it came to paying child support. The athlete is currently unemployed with the NFL after ending his contract and taking time off for surgery. Since then, he has been unable to secure a contract with a new team.

Owens made a request for modification of his child support order after he says that it became too difficult to keep up with the payments. The athlete has four different children and obligations that ranged from $5,000 to $20,000 per month, per child. A family court judge heard his argument that a change in circumstances had occurred. The judge ruled that it was substantial enough to require a reduction in the amount of the obligations.

Although the judge had the new support order sealed -- thus making it impossible to access the specific details -- a source close to Owens reported that he was happy with the outcome. The source said that it "accurately reflects the amount of money [Terrell] is making."

The source also claimed that Owens was "in a good place" and wanted to begin 2012 in the best way possible. As a part of this new beginning, he also requested to increase the level of visitation rights he had with his children. Again, the details were not available, but it was reported that the judge granted him more time.

Whether you are the one who is obligated to pay or are the one who receives the check each month, you can file a request with the court to modify a child support order. A modification is most often requested by a person seeking to reduce the obligation after experiencing a loss of income. A change in circumstances can occur in both directions and either spouse can make a request.

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