For many parents, child support is an important part of ensuring the well-being of their children. In Florida, as in many other states, the amount of child support can be modified when circumstances change. Let’s explore what those circumstances are so you can be better informed about when a child support agreement may be modified.
Change in Financial Circumstances
One of the most common reasons an increase in child support is awarded is when a significant change in financial circumstances arises. While temporary changes in income won’t prompt a change, permanent changes will. These can come in the following forms:
- Increase in the paying parent’s income: Child support amounts are largely based on the income of the paying parent. A substantial, permanent increase in that income can open the door for a request for an increase in child support from the receiving parent.
- Decrease in the receiving parent’s income: The purpose of child support is to ensure the child is able to receive the care they need. If the receiving parent suffers a significant decrease in income, child support may be increased to make up for the lost income.
- Job loss or career change: A parent losing a job or switching careers can lead to a drastic change in their financial situation. These changes in circumstance can prompt a reassessment of the child support arrangement.
- Inheritance or windfall: If either parent receives a substantial inheritance or financial windfall and courts determine that it’s large enough, this change in fortunes may be grounds for increasing the amount of child support.
Additional Child Needs
Children’s needs aren’t static. They require different levels of financial support at various stages of their life. Unforeseen circumstances and other life events can also alter their financial needs. Some situations that may prompt a change include:
- Medical expenses: Chronic illness or other ongoing medical requirements can drastically increase the cost of raising a child. These may necessitate an increase in child support.
- Educational expenses: During a child’s education, they may need additional resources for tutoring, special educational programs, or college preparation.
- Extracurricular activities: Participation in sports or other activities can be expensive. An increase in child support may be granted to help with those expenses.
- Special needs: If a child is diagnosed with a disability or special needs, the additional care and resources required may justify an increase in support.
- Cost of living increases: Inflation and other economic factors that increase the cost of living impact everyone. Courts account for that when determining if an increase is warranted.
Changes in Custody Arrangements
The custody arrangement is another large factor in the amount of child support payment. When this arrangement changes, the child support order can change with it. Some reasons for a change include:
- Decrease in parenting time: If the paying parent receives a decrease in their parenting time, the court may order them to pay additional child support.
- Change in overnight stays: In addition to overall parenting time, the number of overnight stays with each parent is also accounted for in calculating child support.
- Relocation impacts: If the custody arrangements are modified because a parent relocated, the additional travel expenses for the custodial parent could result in an increase in child support.
Do You Need Legal Help in Florida? Contact The Orlando Law Group
If you’re a custodial parent and any of the changes apply to you, The Orlando Law Group may be able to get you an increase in the child support payments you receive. To find out if you qualify for an increase or for any other questions you may have about your child support or custodial agreements, contact our office today.
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Last Updated on September 27, 2024 by The Orlando Law Group
