Fort Lauderdale Modification Attorneys

Client-Oriented Legal Counsel

At Stok Kon + Braverman, we know that nothing seems certain in today’s economy. While you might have a stable job with a steady income today, millions of Americans are facing unemployment and other financial hardships every day. If you are dealing with financial adversity and your spousal or child support payments have become more than you can afford on your income, then you can petition for a modification of your divorce or custody orders.

Modifications to existing child support and alimony orders are available when there has been a significant change of circumstances in the lives of either party. Due to the economic downturn caused by the pandemic, alimony and child support modifications have become increasingly common. However, it’s important to note that you can’t stop making support payments unless you obtain permission from the court. Reducing or stopping payment without court approval can result in jail time.

To speak with a Fort Lauderdale modifications lawyer, contact us online or give us a call today.

Common Reasons for Modifying Child Support

Courts can modify child support obligations if there is a substantial change in circumstances. Courts examine several factors to determine if a substantial change of circumstances occurred. A small reduction in pay generally isn’t enough to reach this threshold. If a change in income occurred, then the new child support amount must differ by $50 or 15% to gain court approval.

Examples of a substantial change in circumstances include:

• Increase in income for the parent receiving support
• Decrease in income for the parent paying support
• More overnights with the child
• The child develops severe health problems
• The child develops severe learning disabilities
• Three years have passed since the most recent order

Common Reasons for Modifying Spousal Support

The court can also modify a spousal support order if a substantial change of circumstances is proven. An alimony order can only be modified if it was issued at the time of divorce. If there was no alimony ordered, then there is nothing to modify.

Common reasons for spousal support modification include:

• Substantial change in income
• Substantial inheritance
• Lottery winnings
• Remarriage of the payee
• Fraud perpetrated by the payee or payor

To speak with a Fort Lauderdale modifications attorney, contact us online or give us a call today.