Largo Child Support & Custody Modification Lawyer
When a couple divorces, a judge will set custody and child support orders. Unfortunately, modifying these orders is not easy, and judges are never eager to take a fresh look simply because you are unhappy with what you pay or when you see your kids. Florida limits when a parent can seek the modification of either child custody or support. Call Reep Coleman & Stubbendorff to speak with a member of our firm. We can represent either parent in these legal proceedings. In a consultation with a Largo child support & custody modification lawyer, you can discuss your goals.
Child Custody Modification
Modification of a child custody order typically requires showing a substantial change in circumstances. We have requested a custody modification when:
- One parent wants to relocate, usually outside the state.
- One parent has a substantial change in their work schedule.
- The child’s needs change significantly, such as requiring more medical care.
Parents can always reach an agreement between themselves to modify child custody. This is probably most common when you aren’t changing custody but instead simply revising the parenting plan. You can create a new agreement and sign it before submitting it to a judge for approval.
Even when there is a substantial change in circumstances, a judge won’t simply rubberstamp a modification in custody. Instead, the judge must also find that the modification is in the best interests of the child.
Work closely with our child custody lawyers to review whether you should request modification. We can help find evidence to bolster your argument. We can also represent a parent who wants to maintain the status quo.
Child Support Modification
Florida uses guidelines to establish child support obligations. However, one parent might seek a modification due to a substantial change in financial condition. As an example, the parent paying child support could lose their job or have their hours cut.
In other situations, the parent receiving child support will experience a change in financial condition which warrants a modification. For example, they could lose their job and therefore require much more support.
The change should be “substantial,” depending on how long the child support order has been in effect. If the order is less than 3 years old, then a substantial change is one that would cause a 15% change in child support. If the order is more than 3 years, then the change must be 10% to qualify as substantial.
A parent can also seek modification based on increased financial needs of the children. A child might have been diagnosed with a medical condition which requires expensive treatment, or a child has unique educational needs.
Get the Legal Help You Need from Our Largo Child Support & Custody Modification Lawyers
Our firm can assist parents seeking to modify a child support and/or custody order. We can also help a parent seeking to block any modification. You benefit from calling our firm to schedule a meeting with our Largo child support & custody modification attorney to learn more about the steps to take.
