Modifying child support payments in Florida

There is generally an assumption among people that child support orders cannot be modified in any way.  Such an assumption is the wrong assumption to have.  Florida courts understand that circumstances may change and with this brings the need for a change in its orders.  There are a number of reasons why a court will temporarily or permanently modify a child support order.  The following circumstances may allow for one to change his or her child support payments:

1. A short-term financial hardship suffered by the payer, for example, could be the reason why the court might grant a temporary reduction or suspension of payments until the payer gets back on his or her feet.
2. A medical emergency, illness or injury of the child could prompt the courts to temporarily increase support payments.  Likewise, illness or injury of the recipient parent could be a reason for a short-term increase in child support payments.

Permanent changes require a substantial change in the long term of either the paying parent, the recipient parent or the child.  The following situations could allow for a permanent change:

1. A considerable change in income of either parent for involuntary reasons;
2. An increase or decrease in child rearing costs such as daycare costs or health insurance.
3. Change in the child’s age.  It is more expensive to raise a 16 year old than a 2 year old.
4. A substantial increase in the cost of living.
5. A permanent disability suffered by either the paying or recipient parent.