My ex was paying child support for 8 out of 12 years. He lost his job, the child is now living with him and is a part time student. I am filing a consent order to stop child support and forgive the arrears. Hat must say to the
Court.

It will be up to the court. It would appear that the father should be the one to file the paperwork.

Normally if the child is living with the other parent, they can alter the support, but it is not often that they will forgive support owed

I have to agree. A father should file for support modification himself, and possibly make an agreement for any arrears. They seldom forgive back amounts, but they may work with him. If he doesn't have to pay child support he should be able to afford some modest payments.