Child Support Modification in Jacksonville Florida

Jacksonville FL Child Support Lawyer – Family Law Attorney

The state of Florida uses the Income Shares Model to determine the amount of child support that is appropriate for a given case, and this model is based on a couple of different foundational principles. One of them is that a particular percentage of the parents’ income was devoted to the needs of the child or children before the dissolution of marriage, and this same percentage should be contributed after the couple have parted ways.

The other fundamental principle at the root of this model is the assertion that each of the respective parents should share in the responsibility of caring for the financial needs of their children equally. This does not mean that the required support amount is split down the middle. It is based on each parent’s earnings with respect to the total sum of their combined income. These figures are then applied to a set of guidelines established by the Florida State Legislature to determine the amount of child support that must be paid.

However, once the child support amount has originally been set, it is by no means permanent. As we all know, the financial capabilities of individuals change as time progresses, and these changes factor into ongoing child support responsibilities. In many cases, people make more money as they progress along a career path. There are other events that can improve someone’s financial standing, such as receiving a sizable inheritance. On the other hand, there are instances when people lose their jobs, or wind up suffering a reduction in income for one reason or another. Another factor that impacts child support is the fact that the needs of the child or children involved inevitably increase over time.

There are provisions for modification of child support in Title 6, Chapter 61 of the Florida Statutes, and such a modification may be in order when a “substantial change of circumstances” exists. For the purposes of applicability of this statute, a substantial change is one that would result in a modification of the payment amount of at least 15% or fifty dollars (whichever is greater), when the financial changes are applied to the state guidelines. So if you are wondering whether or not child support modification is in order, simply apply your current economic profile to the state guidelines using the Florida Child Support Worksheet to see if a substantial change of circumstances exists.

If you have any questions about child support modification, contact an experienced Jacksonville FL divorce lawyer for a free consultation.