Modification of Child Support, Custody and Alimony in Jacksonville Florida

Jacksonville FL Support Modification Lawyer – Family Law Attorney

As we all know, time does not stand still and things are constantly changing, and this inevitability plays a role in dissolution of marriage proceedings in the state of Florida. You may think that once the terms of such a proceeding become final, the matter is closed and it will never again be revisited. However, some of the most important terms of a dissolution of marriage can and often are modified. These include a shared parenting plan or child custody arrangement, the amount of child support that must be paid (and even who pays it), and any alimony that may have been ordered by the court or agreed upon by the former couple themselves.

Florida law recognizes the need for both parents to spend significant time with their children, and it also recognizes the right of each parent to participate in decision making in behalf of the children. For this reason a shared parenting plan is usually called for rather than a granting of sole custody, though one parent can be given sole custody if the circumstances warrant such a ruling. The original parenting plan or custody arrangement can be modified, however, when a substantial change in circumstances exists at some point in the future.

In Florida, the Income Shares Model is used to determine child support payment amounts. The philosophy behind the model is that both parents are required to contribute to meeting the financial needs of the child or children involved, but their respective contributions are weighted based on the relativity of each parent’s income to the whole. Over time it is very likely that the income levels of each parent will change, and that can result in the need for a child support modification. In Florida, the income changes, when applied to the guidelines that the state hands down, must result in a difference of at least 15% from the current payment amount to warrant a modification.

Alimony can also be modified or eliminated altogether when circumstances change. Alimony modifications can be agreed upon by the former couple involved, or ordered by the court. If the recipient remarries or enjoys a financial windfall, or if the supportive spouse suffers a decrease in income, alimony payments may cease or be reduced. On the other hand, if the supportive spouse was to enjoy a substantial increase in his or her financial capabilities, an increase in the amount of alimony paid may be in order.

If you would like more information about modification of child Support, custody and/or alimony, get in touch with a Jacksonville family lawyer who has a background handling these matters.