Switch to ADA Accessible Theme
105 South Avenue Of The Arts, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Fort Lauderdale Divorce
Call Now for a Free Consultation954.945.7591
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
Fort Lauderdale Divorce Fort Lauderdale Divorce Mediation Fort Lauderdale Child Custody Attorney Fort Lauderdale Stepparent Adoption
Content Area Top - Arch

Modifying a Child Support Order or Timesharing Agreement

FamLaw2

Before a divorce can be finalized, parties with children must come create a plan that accounts for child support, time sharing responsibilities, and alimony. However, as time goes on and children age, these orders may need to be modified to reflect a child’s preference, a remarriage, or the need to relocate for a new job. Fortunately, both custody agreements and financial arrangements can be changed even after a divorce has been granted. If you are a Florida resident and believe that your child support order or time sharing agreement is out of date and needs to be modified, you should consider contacting a skilled Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer who can walk you through the modification process.

Demonstrating a Change in Circumstances

Generally, a family court judge will only agree to change a custody or support agreement if one of the parties has experienced a significant change in circumstances. The following are examples of events that have qualified as a substantial change in circumstances:

  • Health-related problems that make it impossible for one of the parties to continue paying alimony or the same amount of child support;
  • A reduced ability to pay child support at the current rate, as a result of retirement or unemployment;
  • The remarriage of one of the parties;
  • Relocation required for employment purposes; or
  • Receipt of an inheritance or a substantial increase in income.

The party seeking modification will also need to provide evidence demonstrating that the parties did not anticipate the life change when the original order was issued. Even if a court is convinced that one of the parties has undergone a substantial change in circumstances, it will still refuse to amend the custody or child support agreement if doing so is not in the best interests of the couple’s children.

Deciding What is in a Child’s Best Interests

A judge will only approve modifications to a child support or custody agreement when doing so would be in the best interests of the parties’ children, which requires an assessment of specific factors, including:

  • The state of each child’s health and safety;
  • Whether enforcing the change would needlessly disturb a child’s schedule;
  • Whether changing the order would negatively affect the relationship between the child and one of his or her parents;
  • The child’s preference, but only if the court deems him or her to be mature enough to express a reasonable preference;
  • The child’s school record;
  • Whether the court finds proof of abuse or neglect;
  • The specific needs of each child; and
  • Whether enforcing the change would still allow each parent to participate in the child’s academic and extracurricular endeavors.

School records and witness testimony will play a key role in convincing a family court that modifying a child support or custody agreement would be in a child’s best interests.

Call Today to Discuss Your Case With an Experienced Family Law Attorney

Modifying a child custody agreement or child support order can be an uphill battle, so if you believe that modification is necessary, please contact Sandra Bonfiglio, P.A. at 954-945-7591 to speak with a dedicated Fort Lauderdale attorney who will ensure that your interests and the interests of your children are protected.

Resource:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.14.html

© 2016 - 2024 Sandra Bonfiglio, P.A. All rights reserved.
This law firm website & legal marketing is managed by MileMark Media.

FLL Divorce Form