Orlando Child Support Modification Lawyer
Helping You Adjust Child Support Orders When Life Changes
The Donna Hung Law Group practices family law in Orlando to guide parents through some of life’s most challenging financial and family transitions. Child support orders reflect your circumstances at the time they were created, but life does not stay the same. When financial situations, parenting time, employment, or a child’s needs change, Florida law allows parents to request a modification of the existing child support order. Whether you are seeking an increase, decrease, or adjustment based on significant life changes, our attorneys are here to protect your rights and ensure your child continues to receive the support they deserve.
Clients of the Donna Hung Law Group receive clear communication, practical advice, and consistent guidance throughout the modification process. Our Orlando child support modification lawyers take a strategic and solution-driven approach to help you present your case effectively and secure a fair and lawful adjustment.
Understanding Child Support Modification in Florida
Child support is not set in stone. Florida courts allow modification when there has been a “substantial, material, and unanticipated change in circumstances” since the last order. The change must be significant enough to alter the support guidelines by at least 15% or $50, whichever is greater.
The purpose of modification is to ensure the child’s needs continue to be met and that the order accurately reflects current financial and family circumstances.
Common Reasons Parents Seek Child Support Modification
Parents request modifications for many reasons. Some of the most common include:
- Job loss or reduction in income
- Significant increase in income for either parent
- Changes in parenting time or custody arrangements
- Medical issues or disability
- Increased childcare, medical, or educational expenses
- Change in health insurance costs
- Child’s changing needs as they grow
- A substantial increase in the other parent’s income
Whether the change is temporary or long-term, our attorneys help determine whether you qualify for a modification and how to pursue it.
When Courts Approve Child Support Modifications
For a Florida court to approve a modification, the following conditions must typically be met:
- The change is substantial (significant financial impact)
- The change is material (directly affects support calculations)
- The change is unanticipated (not expected at the time of the original order)
- The change is permanent or expected to last long enough to justify modification
The Donna Hung Law Group helps parents evaluate these criteria and submit a strong, well-documented case.
What Does Not Qualify as a Substantial Change?
Some situations do not typically qualify for modification, such as:
- Voluntary unemployment
- Intentional reduction in income
- Short-term or minor financial fluctuations
- Changes that were expected when the original order was entered
Courts expect parents to act in good faith. We help clients understand when modification is likely—and when it may not succeed.
Increasing Child Support
A parent may request an increase in support when:
- The paying parent’s income rises
- The child’s expenses increase
- Parenting time decreases for the paying parent
- Medical or educational needs grow
- Health insurance or childcare costs change
Our attorneys help ensure that the financial records and supporting evidence are persuasive and accurate.
Decreasing Child Support
A parent may request a reduction in support when:
- They lose a job through no fault of their own
- Their income decreases significantly
- Their parenting time increases
- They become disabled or unable to work
- The receiving parent’s income significantly increases
It is crucial to act quickly, because child support does not reduce retroactively unless a petition is filed.
Modifying Child Support When Parenting Plans Change
Changes in parenting time often lead to changes in child support. For example:
- If the paying parent receives more overnights, support may be reduced
- If the receiving parent’s time-sharing decreases, support may increase
Florida’s guidelines calculate support based largely on the number of overnights each parent has. Our attorneys help ensure the numbers are accurately represented.
How to Request Child Support Modification
The modification process in Florida includes several important steps.
Filing a Supplemental Petition
The parent seeking modification must file a Supplemental Petition to Modify Child Support, outlining why the change is necessary.
Serving the Other Parent
The other parent must be formally served and has a right to respond.
Financial Disclosure
Both parents must provide updated financial documents, including:
- Pay stubs
- Tax returns
- Childcare expenses
- Medical insurance costs
- Proof of disability or employment changes
Mediation or Negotiation
Many modification cases resolve through negotiation or mediation, avoiding a lengthy court process.
Court Hearing
If the parties cannot agree, a judge will decide the issue based on evidence and the child’s best interests.
What to Do If You Need Child Support Modification
Parents seeking modification should:
- Gather financial documents early
- Record changes in income or expenses
- Maintain evidence showing the change is substantial and ongoing
- File quickly to avoid accumulating arrears
- Avoid informal agreements not approved by the court
- Consult with an attorney before making decisions
Our firm works closely with parents to prepare strong petitions backed by supporting documentation.
What to Do If You Are Served With a Modification Petition
If you receive a petition requesting modification:
- Do not ignore it
- Review the claimed change in circumstances carefully
- Gather your financial documents
- Keep records of your parenting time
- Contact an attorney immediately
You have the right to challenge incorrect claims or provide evidence that modification is not appropriate.
Child Support Modification and Arrears
Modification does not erase child support arrears. Unpaid support remains owed even if the order decreases. However, parents may negotiate:
- Payment plans
- Structured repayment schedules
- Temporary accommodations
We help parents address arrears while still pursuing modification.
Enforcement After Modification
Even after modification, enforcement may be necessary if a parent fails to pay the new amount. Our firm assists with both modification and enforcement actions to ensure compliance.
Comprehensive Orlando Family Law Practice
The Donna Hung Law Group handles a full range of child-related and family law matters. In addition to child support modification, our attorneys represent clients in:
- Child support establishment and enforcement
- Parenting plan modifications
- Divorce and complex custody cases
- Time-sharing disputes
- Paternity actions
- Domestic violence injunctions
- Contempt and enforcement proceedings
- Mediation and settlement negotiations
We understand how financial changes impact your family and work to ensure your rights and your child’s needs remain protected.
Orlando Family Courthouse Information
Child support modification cases are heard within the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida.
Orange County Courthouse
425 N. Orange Avenue
Orlando, FL 32801
Phone: (407) 836-2000
Website: www.ninthcircuit.org
These cases often involve updated financial affidavits, hearings, and mediation requirements.
Orlando Child Support Modification FAQs
How much must my income change before I can modify child support?
There must be at least a 15% or $50 difference in the amount, whichever is greater.
Can I reduce support if I lose my job?
Yes, if the loss was involuntary and significantly affects your income.
Does child support change automatically when parenting time changes?
No. You must file a petition or reach an approved agreement.
Can the other parent request an increase at any time?
They must show a substantial and material change in circumstances.
Does modification erase unpaid child support?
No. Arrears remain due unless a separate agreement is approved by the court.
Serving Throughout Orlando
- Baldwin Park
- College Park
- Lake Nona
- Winter Park
- Thornton Park
- Dr. Phillips
- MetroWest
- Hunters Creek
- Avalon Park
- Windermere
- Celebration
- Waterford Lakes
- Mills 50 District
- Audubon Park
- Conway
- South Eola
- Bay Hill
- Lake Como
- Lake Mary
- Vista Lakes
Orlando Child Support Modification Lawyers Here for You When You Need Us
At the Donna Hung Law Group, we understand that life changes, and child support must sometimes change with it. Whether you are seeking modification or responding to one, our attorneys offer skilled, strategic guidance to help you achieve a fair result. We work diligently to ensure your child’s needs and your rights are fully protected under Florida law.
Call the Donna Hung Law Group at 407-999-0099 to schedule a confidential consultation and take the next step toward clarity and financial stability.
