According to the United States Census Bureau, over 5,690,000 custodial parents were owed child support payments over the course of 2013. In Lee County, and communities across the state of Florida, some parents are unable to pay child support. While some struggle to fulfill their obligations, others become delinquent, which highlights the importance of understanding the ins and outs of child support modification.
On their website, the Florida Legislature outlines some of the different factors that courts will focus on when modifying a child support order. For example, the amount of child support a parent owes may change if there are fluctuations in the income of either parents, such as working a seasonal job. Courts will also review the assets which belong to the child and both the custodial and non-custodial parent and consider the age of the child. Courts may adjust a child support order involving disabled children, children with special needs or children who have significant medical or academic costs.
When determining whether or not to modify a child support order, courts will evaluate the income of each parent and whether or not it has changed enough to warrant a modification. Sources of income include wages, tips, workers’ comp benefits, disability, rental income, retirement plan benefits and social security, among others. It is crucial for parents to recognize the numerous types of income that have an impact on child support orders and take action whenever they experience a major change, whether they aren’t receiving enough support or wish to reduce the amount they owe due to financial difficulties.
