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Modification of
Child Support in Florida

Changes in family circumstances may be justification for a court to modify an existing child support order. Either parent may petition the court to modify child support if there is a substantial change in the family’s finances or dynamics since the prior court order. The standard for granting a modification is that the change must warrant an increase or decrease in the payment amount of at least 15% or $50. The party seeking the change must file a Supplemental Petition to Modify Child Support to request a recalculation.

Peppler Law P.A. understands the Complexities and Nuances of Modifications.

Our law firm can achieve a modification of child support or contest a child support modification petition that is filed by the opposing parent. We complete a careful analysis of your circumstances, aggressively protect your rights, and most importantly, protect the rights of your child.

Grounds for a modification of child support can include the following:

  • A job loss or a substantial cut in salary may constitute a need to modify child support payments. It excludes a parent that is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, hoping to avoid paying child support. If this occurs, the court will order a continuance of payments.
  • Child support is a function of finances but also dependent on parenting time. A parenting plan includes the number of overnight stays that a child has with the non-custodial parent. If a parent cannot adhere to the plan for overnight visits, this can be grounds for modifying child support. It may occur if a parent relocates, or has a physical or mental ailment and is unable to care for the child, or perhaps has remarried and started a new family.
  • An increase in expenses to care for a child may justify a child support modification. Changes in expenses such as daycare costs due to the parent’s employment needs, increased health insurance payments, inflation, or increased physical or psychological needs can affect the amount of child support.
  • Alimony impacts child support payments. When alimony is terminated according to a divorce decree, it can significantly reduce a parent’s income. It is reasonable to request a modification of child support due to this monetary loss.
  • A parent who waives their parental rights can avoid paying child support if another person adopts the child. However, this also terminates the biological parent’s rights to visitation, custody, and decision-making for the child. Even when parental rights are terminated, the biological parent remains responsible for paying arrears in child support. Child support payments can be modified or terminated by the court system due to violent crimes against the child or mother and incarceration.

Peppler Law P.A. focuses on the Best Interests of the Child.

Modifications of child support can be highly contentious. It is vital to have the legal counsel of an experienced child support attorney on your side for the most favorable outcome. At Peppler Law P.A., we have a strong dedication to professionalism and personalized attention.  Attorney Thomas R. Peppler has achieved the highest possible rating in his legal ability and ethical standards, being peer-review rated as AV Preeminent through nationally respected Martindale-Hubbell.

We welcome the opportunity to discuss your situation and review your options for the best course of action. Call our office in Oviedo, Florida, for an appointment at 407-792-6697. We represent clients throughout Oviedo, Winter Springs, and all Central Florida communities.