When a court issues an order for you to pay child support, it is critical to comply with the order. If you do not pay support as ordered – for whatever reason – you can face serious penalties. However, there might come a time when you can no longer provide the amount of support initially ordered, so you might wonder about your options.
There is a process in Florida to request a child support modification from the court that issued the order to begin with. Not everyone can obtain a modification, as there are specific requirements under state law. Such requirements include:
- You must demonstrate that you experienced a substantial change in your financial circumstances
- The new support amount must be at least $50 or 15 percent different from the original order
Your change in circumstances must be lasting, as temporary financial difficulties will not warrant a permanent modification of your support obligations. Some circumstances that might lead to a modification include:
- Decrease in income due to involuntary job loss or disability
- An increase in the income of the other parent
- The child’s expenses are much lower (such as they no longer need full-time child care)
- You have new insurance costs or other necessary expenses you cover for the child outside of child support
These are only some examples of reasons why a court might modify your child support payment amounts. Note that parents who receive support can also request a modification for increased support when justified.
Discuss Your Situation with a Child Support Lawyer in Boca Raton
The law firm of Juliana Gaita, P.A., helps with all types of child support cases. These matters can be complex, and your financial future is on the line. Call 561.869.3703 or contact us online to speak with a Boca Raton child support attorney.
