Orlando Divorce Modification Lawyer

Helping You Update Divorce Orders When Life Changes

The Donna Hung Law Group practices family law in Orlando to help individuals navigate the significant transitions that follow a divorce. While a divorce judgment may feel final, life rarely stays the same. Financial circumstances shift, children grow, employment changes, and parenting needs evolve. When these changes affect your ability to follow the original divorce orders—or when those orders no longer reflect your family’s best interests—you may qualify for a modification. Our attorneys are here to help you pursue or defend a modification with clarity, strategy, and strong legal advocacy.

Clients of the Donna Hung Law Group receive practical guidance, responsive communication, and a clear understanding of what to expect during the modification process. Our Orlando divorce modification lawyers take a solution-oriented approach to help you update your court orders in a way that protects your rights and supports your family’s well-being.

Understanding Divorce Modification in Florida

Divorce modification allows certain parts of a final judgment to be changed when circumstances have significantly changed since the original order was entered. Not all orders can be modified—property division, for example, is typically final. However, issues involving children or financial support may be modified when legally justified.

To qualify for modification, the change in circumstances must generally be:

• Substantial
• Material
• Involuntary
• Unanticipated at the time of the original order
• Likely to be lasting

Our attorneys help determine whether your situation meets Florida’s legal standards for modification.

What Divorce Orders Can Be Modified?

Florida courts may allow modification of:

• Parenting plans
• Time-sharing schedules
• Child support
• Alimony (in many cases)
• Certain conditions related to custody or parental responsibility

Each category has its own requirements and legal standards. We help you understand which parts of your judgment can be changed and how to pursue those changes.

Modifying Parenting Plans and Time-Sharing

Parenting plans may be modified when there has been a substantial and material change affecting the child or the parent. Examples include:

• Significant changes in a parent’s work schedule
• Relocation
• Safety concerns or domestic violence
• A parent’s inability to exercise time-sharing
• Changes in a child’s medical, emotional, or educational needs
• A parent’s improved ability to care for the child
• Teen preferences, depending on maturity

Florida courts always prioritize the child’s best interests. Our attorneys help you present a strong case to modify the existing parenting arrangement.

Modifying Child Support

Child support can be modified if the change would affect the calculated amount by at least 15% or $50. Reasons for modification include:

• Job loss or income reduction
• Increase in income
• Change in parenting time
• Disability or medical issues
• Change in childcare or health insurance costs
• New financial responsibilities for either parent

We help clients gather financial documentation, prepare evidence, and file the appropriate petition.

Modifying Alimony

Alimony modification depends on the type of alimony awarded in the divorce. Many types—such as durational, rehabilitative, or permanent alimony—may be modified when circumstances change. Common reasons include:

• Retirement
• Substantial change in income
• Cohabitation by the receiving spouse
• Unexpected disability or illness
• Change in financial ability to pay

Some forms of alimony, such as bridge-the-gap, cannot be modified. Our attorneys assess your judgment and explain your options.

When Divorce Orders Cannot Be Modified

Certain parts of a divorce judgment typically cannot be changed, including:

• Property division
• Distribution of debts
• Lump-sum alimony
• Agreements explicitly marked as non-modifiable

We help clients evaluate their judgment to determine what modifications are legally allowed.

Reasons People Seek Divorce Modifications

Modifications arise from a wide range of life developments. Common motivations include:

• Career changes
• Remarriage or cohabitation
• Relocation
• Changes in a child’s school or medical needs
• Financial hardship
• Change in a parent’s availability
• Concerns about the child’s safety or well-being

Our firm helps clients align legal orders with their current family realities.

Defending Against a Modification Request

If your former spouse files for modification and you disagree with the requested changes, you have the right to challenge it. We defend parents and former spouses by:

• Showing there is no substantial change
• Demonstrating the change is voluntary or temporary
• Highlighting the original order’s fairness
• Presenting evidence of the child’s stability and well-being
• Challenging inaccurate or incomplete financial claims

We work to protect your rights and maintain stability for your family.

What to Do If You Need a Divorce Modification

Parents or former spouses seeking modification should:

• Gather updated financial documentation
• Track changes in parenting or time-sharing
• Document any safety or behavioral issues
• Avoid informal agreements not approved by the court
• Consult with an attorney before making changes
• File quickly if financial hardship is involved

Taking early action ensures the court will consider your needs based on current circumstances.

What to Do If You Are Served With a Modification Petition

If you receive a modification petition:

• Do not ignore the filing
• Review the allegations carefully
• Gather documents that contradict or support your position
• Track your parenting involvement
• Avoid hostile communication
• Contact an attorney immediately

Your response will significantly affect the outcome.

The Divorce Modification Process in Florida

Modification proceedings follow several steps.

Filing a Supplemental Petition

The party seeking modification files a Supplemental Petition explaining the substantial change in circumstances.

Serving the Other Party

The other party must be formally served unless they waive service.

Financial Disclosure

Updated financial affidavits and documents may be required, especially for support-related modifications.

Mediation

Florida courts usually require mediation before proceeding to trial.

Evidentiary Hearing or Trial

If no agreement is reached, the case moves to a hearing where both parties present evidence.

Court Ruling

The judge decides based on the child’s best interests (for parenting issues) or financial circumstances (for support issues).

Comprehensive Orlando Family Law Practice

The Donna Hung Law Group handles a wide range of family law issues in addition to modification. Our attorneys assist clients with:

• Divorce
• Child support and alimony
• Custody and parenting plans
• Relocation cases
• Domestic violence injunctions
• Enforcement proceedings
• Paternity actions
• Mediation and negotiated settlements

Whether your modification is simple or complex, we work diligently to protect your rights and secure a result that reflects your current needs.

Orlando Family Courthouse Information

Divorce modification cases are heard in 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

Cases often involve multiple filings, mediation, and detailed evidence.

Orlando Divorce Modification FAQs

What qualifies as a substantial change in circumstances?

A significant, involuntary, and lasting change that affects parenting or financial obligations.

Can I modify parenting time without going to court?

No. Any changes must be court-approved to be enforceable.

Does child support change automatically when my income changes?

No. You must file a petition for modification.

Can alimony always be modified?

Some types can be modified; others cannot. It depends on the original order.

How long does a modification take?

It varies based on complexity, cooperation, and court scheduling.

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 Divorce Modification Lawyers Here for You When You Need Us

At the Donna Hung Law Group, we understand that life changes in ways no one can predict. When your divorce judgment no longer reflects your reality or your child’s needs, our attorneys provide experienced guidance, strategic advice, and strong advocacy. Whether you are seeking modification or defending against one, we are here to help you move forward with confidence.

Call the Donna Hung Law Group at 407-999-0099 to schedule a confidential consultation and discuss your modification options.