Post-Judgment Modifications: Because Life Changes
The court recognizes that people's lives change and, when they do, they may require modifications to their:
If there is a substantial change in circumstances in your case, it is important to discuss your options with an experienced lawyer who can advise you on your rights and options.
Family law attorney Rebekah Brown-Wiseman skillfully represents clients seeking modifications of child custody, alimony and child support. To discuss your concerns, please contact her office in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Call 954-854-0104 to arrange a free consultation.
What is a Modification?
A modification changes a court order to reflect current circumstances. If you have lost your job and can no longer afford to pay alimony or child support, for example, it is important to seek a modification.
Don't just make an informal agreement to modify your custody, visitation or support arrangement with your ex-spouse or your child's other parent. Without a formal modification, you will continue to owe the amount in the initial court order and you will not secure your new custody or visitation arrangements.
Modification of Alimony/Spousal Support
A new ground for termination of alimony was recently enacted by the Florida legislature that allows a court to reduce or terminate alimony, without first having to find that there has been a change in financial circumstances, as is the case in previous law. With this change, judges in Broward County and Palm Beach County, Florida, can modify alimony in post-dissolution of marriage (post-divorce) cases if it makes a specific written finding that the spouse receiving alimony has entered into a "supportive relationship" with another person. This change in the law has far reaching effects. The recipient spouse's alimony can be modified whether they are receiving financial support or providing financial support in their new relationship. You may no longer be required to pay at all.
Alimony can now be terminated without a change in financial circumstances and without the remarriage of the recipient spouse.
If you are divorced and desire a modification or termination of alimony, contact the Fort Lauderdale Law Office of Rebekah Brown-Wiseman, P.A., to discuss your alimony issues, determine whether a change in financial circumstances occurred, determine whether a "supportive relationship" exists and if applicable file for a modification/termination of your alimony.
Modification of Child Support
For a modification in child support, Florida state child support guidelines requires that the difference between the existing monthly child support obligation and the modification of child support that would result from a recalculation based on your current financial circumstances be at least 15 percent or $50, whichever amount is greater, before the court may find that the child support guidelines provide a substantial change in circumstances to merit a change in a child support obligation.
Modification in Child Custody or Visitation
To modify a child custody or visitation schedule, there must be either an agreement by both parties or a judicial finding that there is a substantial change of circumstances to merit the modification of child custody or visitation. A substantial change in circumstances may include relocation, substance abuse, excessive lack of supervision or an abusive relationship. Please contact the Law Office of Rebekah Brown-Wiseman to discuss your specific circumstances to determine whether your situation rises to the level of a substantial change in circumstances.
To learn more about modification of child support, child custody, visitation or alimony, please contact the Law Office of Rebekah Brown-Wiseman, P.A. The firm represents clients throughout Broward County and Palm Beach County from an office in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
