Florida law requires that child support be determined in all
divorce cases, but child support issues don’t end with the determination of an amount
and a schedule. Situations frequently arise that require an adjustment of child
support as the years go by. Parents shirk child support responsibilities and
must be pursued. Dealing with the intricacies of the Broward County child
support system on your own can be treacherous. Whether you’re a custodial
parent seeking the help of the court to enforce child support orders or a
non-custodial parent seeking a modification of child support orders because of
a changed financial situation, a family lawyer in Pembroke Pines can help you
resolve your issues with a minimum of problems.
Child Support Modification
Under Florida law, parents are required to provide for minor
children through age 18 or high school graduation, whichever comes later. The
original order is based on Florida Child Support Guidelines, which take into
account the net income, and does not take cost of living or expenses into
account. There are many reasons for either parent to seek a modification of the
original child support order.
They include:
Change in Ability to Pay Child Support
The non-custodial parent may have an increase or decrease in
income that changes his or her ability to pay the child support ordered. A
custodial parent may seek an increase in child support when the non-custodial
parent gets a new job or an increase in income, or a non-custodial parent may
want to pay more because he or she is now more able to do so. Likewise, a
decrease in the non-custodial parent’s income may necessitate a change in the
child support order.
The Need for a Child Support Lawyer in Pembroke Pines
Child support modifications must be done through the court,
even if both parents agree to the modification. Unless the original court order
is modified, your new agreement has no legal force. In fact, there are cases
when both parents may agree to a modification only to have a judge refuse to
allow it because it is not in the best interests of the children.
Don’t leave your children unprotected. Get the
help of a family lawyer in Pembroke Pines if either parent requests or needs a
modification of child support.
