You may wonder how child support works after you finish your divorce. Modifying child support is an important topic for many parents, and we’re here to help explain how it works in Florida.
Child support orders are not set in stone and can be modified when there’s a substantial change in circumstances. Here’s what you need to know:
Substantial Change
This usually means a significant increase or decrease in either parent’s income, change in childcare costs, or changes in the child’s needs.
Process
To modify child support, a petition must be filed with the court that originally ordered the support. You’ll need to show evidence of the substantial change that’s occurred since the last order.
Temporary or Permanent Changes
The modification can be temporary (for example, if one parent has a temporary decrease in income) or permanent (if there’s a significant, ongoing change like a new job or disability).
Retroactive Modification
It’s important to know that modifications can’t be retroactive. They are effective from the date you file the modification request, not the date the circumstances changed.
Do-it-Yourself or Attorney Help
While you can file a modification request yourself, it can be beneficial to have an attorney guide you through the process, especially if your case is complex or if the other parent disagrees with the modification.
Please remember, this is a quick overview and individual cases can vary.