Every child is entitled to financial support from their parents. Your child has the right to receive regular and timely support that meets their daily and ongoing needs. When the court issues an order that obligates you to pay child support, you could be taken to court and face serious consequences if you don’t comply. The courts can also help you modify — or change — an existing child support order.
In most cases, this happens when one parent’s income decreases or the other parent’s income increases. If you are bound by a current child support order but need financial relief, our Orlando family law lawyers can help. If either or both circumstances apply to your case, our Orlando child support modification lawyer at Bogin, Munns & Munns can help you request an appropriate modification. Doing so can ensure your needs are met alongside those of your child.
What You Need to Know About Child Support Orders in Florida
When the state orders one parent to pay child support to another, its goal is the ensure the child’s best interests are considered. According to Florida Department of Revenue parameters, the following factors are considered when making a child support order:
- Each parent’s income and financial holdings
- Your child’s specific healthcare needs
- Childcare and education costs
- The child’s standard needs per Florida law
Understanding these factors and how they apply to you and your child can be complicated. Our Orlando family law lawyer will ensure you understand how the state decides the amount it orders you to pay. We also work hard to ensure all factors in making this determination are accurate and your child support order is fair and appropriate.
When Child Support Can Be Modified in Orlando
An established child support order is not finite and can be changed for various reasons. Your request to lower your child support obligation must have what the state considers valid legal grounds. Requests made for seemingly frivolous reasons may not be granted.
Our family law team will help you request a change in your child support order if one or more of the following applies:
- You retire after reaching retirement age
- You suffer a catastrophic injury or illness
- You become unemployed unexpectedly
- You have a life-changing illness
- Your child is awarded emancipation
- Your custody order or agreement changes
We will review your case if you believe you have valid reasons to request a change in the amount of child support you pay. We aim to understand your child’s needs and your realistic ability to pay support. If a modification seems warranted, our law firm will help you effectively navigate the child support modification process.
When Child Support Orders Cannot Be Modified
As much as you might need financial relief, there are times when the state will not grant a modification request. Any request for a change in support is typically considered:
- Substantial
- Permanent
- Involuntary
- Voluntary change
If your request is classified as voluntary, it is unlikely to be granted. Voluntary requests usually include the following circumstances:
- You quit your job (versus being terminated)
- You were terminated from your job with valid cause
- You chose to take a job with a lower rate of pay
- You are convicted of a criminal act and incarcerated
In addition to voluntary actions, your child’s other parent could object to your request. If that happens, our Orlando child support modification attorney will help you prove your changed financial circumstances. Our child support attorney will carefully review your case and clarify the validity of your request.
To consult with an experienced child support modification lawyer serving Orlando
(855) 780-9986
Do Not Change or Adjust Child Support Without Appropriate Authorization
Child support in Florida can be paid in one of two ways. You can submit payment directly to the other parent, or a third party can submit payment on your behalf. If you pay directly, you may want to avoid resorting to decreasing or terminating the payment on your own.
Doing so could be ill-fated and lead to the following consequences, according to the Florida Department of Revenue’s guidelines:
- Forced income withholding
- Liens on your property
- Liens on your bank account
- Damage to your credit score
- Denial of your passport
- Suspension of your driver’s license
Our Orlando child support modification attorney can help you change your existing child support order the right way. With our guidance and support, you could lower your obligation while simultaneously meeting your child’s needs and your own.
Our Family Law Team Can Handle Your Request for Child Support Modification
The child support system typically favors the child’s needs. Your initial order was made based on your income and financial position at the time. If one or both have changed, we can help you request a change correctly.
When our child support modification lawyer serving families in Orlando accepts your case, we can do all the following on your behalf:
- Review your existing child support order
- Analyze and document your current financial picture
- Represent you in court and at hearings
- Complete and submit all required paperwork
- Ensure you receive all notifications and meet all filing deadlines
At Bogin, Munns & Munns, we know how important it is for children to receive support from both parents. We also understand that a change in your employment and other financial circumstances can make meeting your current obligation difficult, if not impossible. Our child support modification attorney will help you work with the other parent and the state to reach a new and fair agreement.
Call Our Family Law Team Today for Help With Child Support Modification
At Bogin, Munns & Munns, we know how financial support from both parents affects their child’s well-being. We also know how hard it can be to meet your obligation when your income significantly changes.
If you need legal guidance and support to help modify an overwhelming child support order, our child support modification lawyer serving Orlando can help. Contact one of our family law team members to review your child support case today.
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