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Boca Raton, Florida: Divorce Decree Modifications

Carman & Smith · Boca Raton and Port St. Lucie
Child Support Modifications · Child Custody Modifications
Alimony Modifications · Child Relocation
(800) 435-7407 · E-mail

The divorce decree or separation agreement is not always the end of the story. Especially if child custody, child support or alimony payments are part of the divorce agreement - chances are good that one or both parties will want to make a Florida divorce decree modification at some point in the future.

If you want to change any of the following segments of your Florida divorce or separation agreement, you must go to court and file a formal divorce decree modification:

Child support amounts
Child custody arrangements
Alimony payment amounts

The family law attorneys at Carman & Smith - with offices in Boca Raton and Port St. Lucie - can help you request or object to any type of divorce decree modification.

We offer divorce link to divorce practice page and family law link to family law practice page legal services to people in Boca Raton and throughout South Florida that are designed to be efficient and effective without depleting your budget.

To discuss modifications of child support, child custody or alimony, we encourage you to schedule a consultation with one of our experienced Florida divorce lawyers. Call (800) 435-7407 or send us an e-mail.

Child Support Modifications in Florida

Florida child support law allows child support modifications in two different circumstances. A child support modification will be allowed if:

It has been at least 3 years since the existing child support amount was established or since your case was last reviewed

It has been less than 3 years since the last child support order went into effect but there has been a "significant change" in either parent's finances

Examples of "significant changes" include: one parent or the child becomes permanently disabled, day care or other child care expenses begin or end, or one parent's income significantly increases or decreases.

Child Custody Modifications in Florida

The Florida family law courts have the power to modify a custody order if doing so would be in the child's best interests. Custody modification disputes usually arise if the circumstances of the custodial parent has changed in a way that the child is suffering. Changes in circumstances that may warrant a child custody modification order include:

Drug or alcohol abuse by the custodial parent
Physical or mental abuse of the child by the custodial parent or the custodial parent's new partner or family member
Improper supervision of the child by the custodial parent

The court may take the child's wishes into account when considering whether to modify custody, depending on the age of the child and whether there is evidence that the child has an independent opinion and has not been swayed by one of the parents.

Did You Know?

Even if you have primary custody (are the primary residential parent), you may have to take specific legal steps before moving out of Florida with your child. Florida's child relocation law allows the noncustodial parent to object to an out-of-state move, and the move may be blocked if it would not be in the best interests of the child.

If you are considering moving out of state - or if you think your ex is moving away with your child - contact the experienced family law attorneys at Carman & Smith for a consultation.

Carman & Smith - Family Law Attorneys in South Florida

More information about divorce decree modifications and other family law matters is available on the Family Law and Florida Divorce pages of this Web site.

For answers to your other questions about post-divorce decree modifications or other family law disputes, we encourage you to contact our offices for a consultation. To schedule an appointment, call (800) 435-7407 or send us an e-mail.