Can You Modify Child Support in Jacksonville?

Every parent in Florida must support their children financially, even when they no longer live in the same household. Unfortunately, monthly child support payments can become impossible when unfortunate crises hit. Florida law allows parents to request modification in certain situations, but you should understand what you will need to show. Contact Empowerment Legal, PLLC with questions. We can offer frank advice but also petition the court for a modification.

Proving a Change in Circumstances

Judges are never eager to revisit a child support order once it is set. However, Florida law recognizes that life doesn’t stand still. Your financial situation could change, and you can experience a drop in income.

Typically, parents who want to modify their child support must point to life changes that are:

• Minor changes to your life are insufficient. If fewer than three years have passed since the order was set, a “substantial” change is one that will change your order by at least 15% (but not less than $50). If more than 3 years have passed, then a substantial change is one that results in a 10% change.
• A temporary change will not support modification. Instead, you usually need to show the change has lasted for at least one year.
• Most changes must be involuntary. If you voluntarily quit your job, for example, then you cannot use that as an excuse for lowering your support obligation.

Substantial, permanent, and involuntary changes usually include disability or illness, which can reduce the hours you work or force you to change careers. For example, someone who loses a limb at work will probably need to change jobs, or they could be permanently disabled.

However, other situations might support a change. Your industry could undergo seismic change, with many jobs. Any job you find could pay much less, warranting a reduction in support.

A parent can also request more child support if the paying parent has experienced a substantial and permanent change. For example, a parent might have received a significant promotion at work which comes with a large bump in pay.

Requesting a Modification

Parents should continue to keep up with their child support obligations until a judge modifies the support order. Any unpaid child support can pile up and incur interest, making it harder to get your head above water. Also, the state can take other action when a parent is behind on support obligations, including suspending your license or intercepting tax returns.

Quickly contact a law firm if you have suffered serious illness or lost your job. We can also advise those who have questions about whether they can request more child support from a parent who has come into additional money.

Schedule a Consultation with Our Law Office Today

Empowerment Legal, PLLC, helps parents with their child support obligations. We can discuss whether you should seek modification by reviewing all the facts of your case and identifying useful evidence to present to a judge at a hearing. Contact us to speak with a Jacksonville modifications lawyer.

Source:

floridarevenue.com/childsupport/change_support_orders/Pages/change_support_orders.aspx#circumstances