Modification of Child Support, Custody and Alimony in Pensacola Florida
Pensacola FL Child Support and Custody Lawyers – Family Law Attorneys
The original terms that are in place when a dissolution of marriage proceeding becomes final in the state of Florida are not necessarily permanent. Modifications can and do take place, and they are appropriate when the circumstances that were used to determine the original terms change, and they often do because life doesn’t stand still. One divorce term that can be modified should a substantial change of circumstances take place is that of alimony or spousal support if it was originally ordered by the court. However, if the original spousal support agreement was entered into privately, the terms of the contract would hold sway, and the court may have no jurisdictional authority.
Another one of the divorce terms that is sometimes modified would be child custody, and when you think about a child custody modification you may conjure images of an unfit household. This is one cause for modification, but there are cases when both parents agree to a change of custody. This can be due to the parents coming to the conclusion that a change may be in the best interests of the child in question, or simply because the child requested the modification.
Though spousal support and child custody modifications due occur, child support is the divorce term that is most frequently modified. The state of Florida uses the Income Shares Model to determine the amount of child support that is called for, and the initial amount that is set will be based on the shared financial situation that existed at that time. As the years pass and the income levels of the parents change, the amount of child support that is appropriate can change as well. According to the Florida Statutes the altered financial circumstances must result in a difference of 15% or $50 from the existing child support payment amount to be considered significant enough to warrant a modification.
To learn more about modification of child support, custody, and alimony, get in touch with a Pensacola FL family lawyer to arrange for a free consultation.
