Modification of Child Support
Modifying Your Terms of Child Support in Jacksonville
It is not unusual for a parent to ask to have the child support order modified at a later date due to a change in circumstances. For example, there may be a change of jobs, an increase or decrease in income, or there may be special needs of the child which have changed or were not previously allowed for.
Any number of reasons could exist for a parent to request a modification of the child support order. However, you must take required legal action to get permission from the court to modify the child support order, or you may find yourself facing charges of contempt of court.
Jacksonville divorce attorneys at Ellerin Hutchinson help their clients prepare and receive court-approved child support modification orders to protect yours and your child’s future.
State Modification Guidelines
As with the original child support calculation, a number of factors are considered by the Florida court when reviewing a request for modification of support.
Florida Statute 61.30 defines the guidelines for child support and modification. The guidelines allow for many variables, and you should get the help of a knowledgeable attorney to help formulate the request for modification.
You will need to be able to show that the changes were not predicted or foreseen during the original legal proceedings. Additionally, you will need to prove a substantial change of circumstances exist. Some possible changes in circumstances are:
- One of the parents needs to relocate or another city
- An abusive partner or spouse is affecting the child’s welfare
- The child needs to change schools
- One of the parents loses a job
- A better job opportunity arises for one of the parents
- There are other factors that prove the change is in the best interests of the child
Whatever the case, when you need help modifying an existing child support order, or need defense against a proposed change that would not be right for you or your child, you need the help of a Jacksonville child support attorney who can aggressively protect your rights regarding proper and adequate support for you and your child.