Jacksonville Child Support Modification Lawyer

Helping Florida Parents Adjust Their Child Support Arrangements

If you are currently receiving child support and are aware of an event that would positively affect your monthly stipend, or you are paying child support and require a reduction, we encourage you to discuss your options with a Jacksonville family law attorney at Owenby Law, P.A. We assist parents with the establishment and modification of child support agreements. When an unexpected situation arises, such as the loss of a job or a health crisis, child support can be modified to account for the change. Our firm is ready to help you petition the court for a modification.

When Could I Request a Modification of Child Support?

When the court orders a parent to pay child support, that order is legally enforceable. This means that the parent cannot stop making payments unless a modification is requested and approved, even if a change in circumstances has made it difficult for them to keep up with the monthly payments. By law, a child support modification will only be granted if a “substantial change in circumstances” has taken place.

Retroactive Child Support Adjustments in Florida

Many parents who are seeking a child support modification are disappointed to learn that their adjustments will only go into effect from the time when their attorney files the action. Even if the event that triggers the modification occurred months before the filing, the adjustment will not be retroactive.

There is, however, an exception. In the state of Florida, child support payments are partially based upon the amount of time that the child spends with each parent. If one of the parents has deviated from the court-ordered child custody or visitation schedule, and that is the reason for the modification request, the court may award a retroactive adjustment to the time when the parent stopped spending time with the child.

Have Questions? Contact Our Jacksonville Family Law Attorneys for Help!

At Owenby Law, P.A., we work diligently to protect the rights of our parental clients so that they can do what is in the best interests of their children. If you believe that you are entitled to an increase or decrease of your child support payments, you should seek our help immediately. The sooner one of our attorneys is able to examine your case, the quicker we can file for a child support modification. Call us today to get started.