Child support is typically determined during the initial divorce proceedings in Florida. It’s based on several factors, including income status and the child’s needs.
These factors can change over time though. You might make less in the future than you do now, or your child’s expenses may go up. It’s important to know how to change your child support order if you need to.
How do you change child support?
All changes to child support must go through the court of law that issued the original child support order. You will have to ask for the child support change and it will be up to the court to grant your request.
It will be up to the parent requesting the changes to explain why and provide evidence. For example, if they’re asking for a reduction, they will have to provide proof that explains why the reduction is necessary.
Reasons to request changes to child support
Loss of income is the most obvious reason to request changes to child support. There are plenty of other reasons to request a change to child support orders though.
You might request child support be increased due to increased expenses related to child care. It would still be up to you to prove that the increase is necessary. It’s hard to request more in child support for just any reason, even if you know your ex-spouse could enforce it.
Changes to child support can be temporary or permanent. If you’ve lost your income, you might temporarily ask that child support be increased until you can get another job. If you believe the increase needs to be permanent, you must state that in your case.
Whatever the reason is, it’s ultimately up to the court to make the final decision. It’s important to do all of your research and be ready to provide evidence supporting your argument.