Changing Your Tampa Bay Child Support Obligation

It is a new year, and oftentimes that means many changes.  You may have changed jobs or been laid off from work.  You may have been transferred to a different office, or you may have received a promotion.

Any of these occurrences, or other substantial changes in circumstances, may be the basis for a modification of your Florida child support obligation.

Under the Florida Statutes and related case law, a “substantial change in circumstance” is one that is significant, material, involuntary, unanticipated at the time the child support was ordered, and permanent in nature.

Keep in mind that there may be some exceptions.  For example, if a father paying child support went from full-time employment to part-time employment in order to go back to school, which would ultimately end up with the father making more money, a Florida court could grant a change in child support even though the decision to go back to school is both voluntary and temporary.

The Florida Statutes also states that, in order for a change to be considered substantial, there must be a difference between your current child support obligation and your expected child support obligation of at least $50, or 15%, whichever is greater.

If you have questions regarding changing your Florida child support obligation, and you live in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Manatee, or Sarasota Counties, schedule a consultation with The Law Firm of Adam B. Cordover, P.A., at (813) 443-0615, or fill out our contact form.