Income Changes After a Fort Lauderdale Child Support Order? When To Request Modifications
In Broward County child support cases, courts base the award amount on each parent’s total income and assets. However, life doesn’t stand still in the months or years after a Fort Lauderdale child support order is issued. Raises, job loss, disability, or new financial responsibilities can impact your ability to pay or your right to receive support.
If you’re dealing with income changes that could affect child support, it is vitally important to understand your legal rights. At Vanessa L. Prieto Law Offices, we help parents in Fort Lauderdale navigate child support modifications in Broward County and enforcement issues when life circumstances change. Whether you pay or receive child support, don’t assume you’re stuck with an outdated order. Find out how to protect your financial stability and your child’s needs.
When Can You Request Child Support Modifications In Fort Lauderdale?
Broward County parents have a legal duty to support their children financially. Once a child support order is issued, there are severe penalties for not paying the required amount. However, under Section 61.14 of the Florida Statutes, parents can request child support modifications in Fort Lauderdale if there is a substantial change in circumstances.
One of the most common reasons for modification is a significant change in income, either involving an increase or a decrease. You may be able to request modifications to child support in Broward County in any of the following situations:
- A job loss, layoff, or involuntary reduction in work hours;
- A new, higher-paying job for either parent;
- Receipt of disability benefits or retirement income;
- A substantial change in parenting time;
- New financial obligations, such as supporting another child.
Under Florida child support laws, the change must be expected to last for at least six months and result in a difference of at least 15 percent (or $50) in the support amount. Child support modifications are not automatic, though. You must file a petition with the court and submit an updated Florida family law financial affidavit.
Protecting Your Rights To Child Support Payments In Fort Lauderdale When There Are Income Changes
Don’t wait for the other parent or the Florida Department of Revenue to act when dealing with income changes that impact a Broward County child support order. Failing to adjust child support quickly could lead to arrears, penalties, or missed opportunities to increase support when needed. To protect your rights:
- Document income change with pay stubs, termination letters, or benefits statements;
- File a Supplemental Petition to Modify Child Support;
- Cooperate with discovery and financial disclosure requests;
- Consider mediation to resolve disputes more efficiently.
For Trusted Legal Guidance In Requesting Modifications, Contact Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Child Support Lawyer
If you have a child support order in Broward County and your own or the other parent’s income and overall financial situation has changed, you may have the right to request modifications. Vanessa L. Prieto provides the trusted legal guidance you need throughout the process. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our experienced Fort Lauderdale child support lawyer.
Sources:
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.14.html
flcourts.gov/Resources-Services/Office-of-Family-Courts/Family-Court-in-Florida/Family-Law-Forms/Additional-Supporting-Documents-12.902-Forms-B-J/Family-Law-Financial-Affidavit
floridarevenue.com/childsupport/Pages/default.aspx
