Is My Reason for a Child Support Increase Valid?

To ensure that the needs of children are met, support payments are put in place when parents divorce or separate. While sometimes the amount remains the same over time, other times circumstances change and the amount of support initially ordered no longer feels sufficient to the receiving parent.

When considering pursuing a child support increase in Florida, you may be wondering whether your reason for requesting a modification is valid. Not all requests are approved, so it’s important to understand what factors the court will consider when evaluating a request for more support. Talk to a West Palm Beach family attorney to learn more.

Strong Reasons for Pursuing an Increase

As children grow older, their financial needs often increase. This could be due to rising costs of education, medical care, extracurricular activities, or other necessities. So, if a child develops a medical condition that requires ongoing treatment, a parent may seek additional financial support to cover these new expenses.

There is also the possibility of the parent paying child support experiencing a significant increase in income. Then, the custodial parent could request a child support modification. Florida courts may adjust child support payments to reflect the non-custodial parent’s ability to contribute more.

Cost of living increases can impact support agreements as well, this is a particularly common reason for moving forward with a modification request in high-cost areas. An original support may not be enough to cover inflation or increased housing costs. Also, if there is a change in the custodial arrangement that increases the distribution of parenting time or responsibility, this can influence a support arrangement, too.

When Increases Are Less Likely to be Approved

Not all requests for child support increases are approved. Situations where a request is less likely to be granted include the following.

• Temporary changes. Minor increases in living expenses or short-term income changes are usually not enough to justify a modification. The change in circumstances must be significant and ongoing.
• Voluntary income reduction. If the parent seeking the increase has voluntarily reduced their income, such as by quitting a job or reducing work hours, this may not be seen as a valid reason for an increase in child support.
• Lack of evidence. When there is no clear proof of a significant change in circumstances, the court is unlikely to approve a modification. Documentation and strong evidence are key in convincing the court that an increase is necessary.

The reality is that navigating the child support modification process can be complex. A West Palm Beach family attorney can help you assess whether your reason for requesting an increase is valid, gather the necessary evidence, and present a strong case to the court.

Have you been mulling over the possibility of a support modification? Whether you’re seeking to adjust the amount of child support you receive or you are in a position where you need to respond to a modification request, turn to the legal team at Bruce S. Rosenwater & Associates. Lawyers can help you achieve a fair and just outcome. Schedule your confidential consultation today.