Child support ensures the well-being of your children after a separation or divorce. However, circumstances can change over time, affecting your ability to pay or receive these payments.
In Florida, you can seek modifications to your support orders when significant changes occur.
When to seek modifications
You may need to seek changes to your agreement for various reasons.
- Change in income: If your income has significantly grown or declined since the initial order, you may be eligible to revise payments
- Job loss or change: Losing a job or experiencing a significant change in employment can impact your need for aid or your ability to pay support
- Changes in child’s needs: Significant increase or decrease to the child’s medical, educational or child care expenses may warrant a modification to the support order
- Changes in custody arrangements: A change in the custody or visitation schedule can affect the required payments
It is important to understand how Florida laws apply to your unique situation.
How to request a change to child support
You can ask the Child Support Program to review your order when you need a modification. You can also file a petition in circuit court. First, collect documents that reinforce your request. Evidence can include tax returns, pay stubs and other proof of changes in expenses or income. Next, complete any required forms.
Submit your petition for modification to the clerk of the court in the county that issued the original child support order. Serve a copy of the petition and any accompanying documents to the other parent. You must attend scheduled court hearings to present your case to the judge.
Circumstances can change, making it important to know how to change your child support orders. You need financial assistance that reflects your current situation and your children’s needs. When you understand your rights, you can ensure your family’s best interests.