What Are Some Common Reasons for Modifications After A Florida Divorce?
Divorcing your spouse will change the life you have known for many years, maybe even decades. Once your divorce is finalized you will receive a Final Judgment and the terms within that judgment may not always align with your ever-changing circumstances. A post-divorce modification can adapt agreements made during the divorce to better reflect the current reality you are facing. Below are some of the most common reasons for modifications after divorce.
Modifying Alimony After Divorce
Alimony is not always awarded during divorce but when it is, it is usually given to a lower-earning spouse who may need help supporting themselves after divorce. Some of the most common reasons for modifying alimony after divorce include:
- Job loss: If the payer experiences a significant reduction in their income, they may no longer be able to make full alimony payments. In these instances, they may seek a modification to reduce their payments. Additionally, if a recipient loses their job or experiences a significant reduction in income, they may also require more alimony to support themselves.
- Increase in income: Just as either the recipient or payer of alimony can pursue a modification if they experience a significant decrease in income, they can also try to modify the original order if either has a significant increase in income.
Modifying Child Support After Divorce
Child support is important to ensure a child’s needs are met and that they have the same type of support even if their parents break up. Common reasons for modifying child support are as follows:
- Ability to pay: Like alimony, if the payer of child support experiences a significant reduction of income, they may petition the court to modify child support.
- The needs of the child have changed: Children have different financial needs as they get older. Their educational needs may evolve, or they may incur unforeseen medical expenses. Any time the needs of the child change, either parent can petition the court for a modification.
Timesharing
Florida law uses the term ‘timesharing’ instead of ‘child custody’. Timesharing is critical for the well-being of children in most cases, but there are times when these arrangements need modifying. If a child’s safety and well-being are ever at risk due to a parent’s behavior, relationships, or living situation, the other parent can petition the court to modify the timesharing arrangement. Additionally, if a parent wants to move more than 50 miles from their current residence, a modification may be necessary to ensure the child has a continued relationship with both parents.
Our Modification Attorney in Tampa Can Help You Through the Process
The only constant in life is change, and this applies to final divorce orders, too. At All Family Law Group, P.A., our Tampa modification attorney can guide you through the process and help you obtain the change you need to accommodate your family’s current needs. Call us today at 813-672-1900 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced attorneys and to learn more about how we can help with your case.
flsenate.gov/laws/statutes/2012/61.30
leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.08.html