Child support and spousal support orders are generally only modified by the courts under relatively extreme circumstances. For example, a child support order may be altered if a child’s living situation changes significantly, if he or she becomes very ill and requires intensive medical care or if either parent experiences an extreme change in income. Parents may not simply fail to pay their support orders or demand more support without express permission of the court.
Similarly, spousal support orders are generally only modified by the court when circumstances change significantly. For example, if a former spouse receiving support begins to cohabitate with a romantic partner or a former spouse providing support suddenly becomes disabled and is unable to work, a court may order a modification. Spousal support modifications may also be made by mutual consent aided by the attorneys of both affected parties.
Modifying Child Custody Orders
Parents interested in modifying their child custody orders should be aware that such determinations are made and approved according to the “best interests of the child” standard. They should additionally understand that child support orders are generally only modified, except by mutual consent of both parents, if a child or parent’s circumstances have changed dramatically since the original order or previous modification was filed. This standard helps to ensure that parents do not attempt to haul each other into court every time a minor change in circumstance occurs. Child custody orders may be modified, but if modifications are not made with mutual parental consent, they are generally only modified in relatively extreme circumstances. Every family is unique and navigates life’s ups and downs in different ways. Sometimes, even when former spouses are no longer legally linked by marriage, their lives remain intertwined financially. Some former spouses are tied together because of shared child custody or child support payments. Other former couples are linked via spousal support awards. And although most of the time, the agreements constructed during the divorce process remain unchanged until children reach the age of majority or the terms of spousal support orders are fulfilled, there are times when modifications are desired or prove necessary. There is no one “right” way to approach these kinds of financial realities because every family has unique needs.
If you are curious about altering the terms of your divorce settlement, please feel free to contact the top rated divorce attorney Tampa, FL residents rely on at The McKinney Law Group. Because the terms of each settlement are different and the circumstances under which such terms may be altered vary, there are few hard and fast rules when it comes to modifications. Once our Tampa, FL divorce attorney team learns about the specifics of your family’s situation, we will be better able to advise you of any legal options that may be available to you
Help Is Available
If you have questions about modifying your divorce settlement, please reach out to a top rated Tampa, FL divorce lawyer today. It doesn’t hurt to ask confidential questions during a consultation, but failing to seek legal support if you need it may harm you or your children in the end. Our top rated Tampa, FL divorce attorney team is dedicated to ensuring that our clients interests are advocated for to the best of our ability. Please allow us a chance to help support you and your unique legal needs.
If you have questions about a prenup agreement or a postnup agreement or require legal assistance in other areas of Family Law you may always contact Damien McKinney of The McKinney Law Group to discuss your case further. He can be reached by phone at 813-428-3400 or by e-mail at [email protected].
We now offer virtual prenuptial agreements. Contact us to inquire further about our virtual prenup option.