Jacksonville Child Support Lawyer

Alimony, Child Support, Child Custody, Time Sharing

Florida Modification Law Firm: When Your Circumstances Change

A parent ready to consult a Jacksonville Child Support Lawyer

All families change over time. As their needs and goals change, legal action may be needed to make sure that existing court orders evolve to meet new family requirements. What was appropriate to the parties at the time of the divorce may no longer work for the family as jobs change, children age, and parents remarry. At Beller Law, PL, our Jacksonville child support attorney helps families obtain modifications to child support, child custody, visitation, time-sharing, and alimony. We also address relocation issues when parents wish to move into or out of Florida or away from the Jacksonville area.

Modifications of child custody or timesharing, child support, and alimony in the Jacksonville and St. Augustine areas often require proof to the court that there has been a substantial change in circumstances. Substantial changes can be as simple as a greater financial need or increase in income or may include a change in your child’s environment or time sharing. Our North Florida child custody attorney advocates for your rights in court to help you get the legal modifications you and your children need, and guide you through the often difficult procedures to get results. We also help families with the domestication of foreign or out-of-state judgments, assisting them in obtaining court orders that ask the State of Florida to consider an order from another state as its own. Domestications for matters like child support and visitation can be especially useful when families with children move into or out of the State of Florida.

When you bring your modification case to the Duval/St. Johns County area law firm of Beller Law, PL, our attorney will review your goals with you. Then we will examine the existing agreements between you and your ex-spouse or child’s parent. Together we will set realistic, achievable objectives that we will bring before the Florida family court judge. Whether you are seeking an adjustment in your spousal or child support, are looking to adjust your visitation schedule, or are attempting to become the primary custodian of your children, our compassionate Jacksonville child support lawyer can help. We take action for you as fast as the Florida family courts allow. The Jacksonville alimony attorney at Beller Law, PL will take the time to work closely with you to understand your unique circumstances, goals, and concerns. Having more than twenty-five years of trial experience has taught us how to work effectively and efficiently for you.

Modification Requires a Substantial Change in Circumstances

As a general rule, Florida courts will not make changes to family law arrangements unless there has been a substantial change in the circumstances for at least one of the parties (e.g., parents or child).

In other words, small changes in your day-to-day life will not warrant a court’s attention. Even if they seem important to you, the court must first be convinced that the change in circumstances is significant enough to warrant a change in legal arrangements. Part of our job as a Jacksonville modification lawyer is to argue that a modification is warranted.

Types of Family Law Modification in Florida

Our well-versed Jacksonville lawyer can help you seek changes in any of the following arrangements:

Child support,
Child custody,
Visitation and Timesharing,
Alimony.

Below, we’ll look at the specific changes you can seek within each of those areas, as well as examples of life events that might qualify as a “substantial change in the circumstances.”

Child Support Modification

The monetary value of child support can be either increased or decreased, usually depending on changes in either parent’s income.

The court will also consider changes in the child’s needs. For example, a parent who receives child support might be entitled to a larger amount of support if the child becomes afflicted with an unexpected long-term disability—even if the income of both parents has remained the same. In such cases, consulting with a knowledgeable Jacksonville child support lawyer can provide clarity on your legal options and ensure that the child’s best interests are prioritized.

In some cases, the role of providing support might even be changed from one parent to the other. This would typically happen in cases where one parent’s financial situation or life circumstances have changed dramatically, or where the child’s custody or living situation has changed. Our Jacksonville child support attorney can help you prove a change in circumstances and ease the financial pressure.

Child Custody Modification

When it comes to child custody matters, the court’s primary focus is on the welfare of the child involved. Whether you are seeking to establish custody for the first time or are pursuing a modification, the best interests of the child must always come first.

Navigating the legal system and providing evidence of a substantial change in circumstances can be challenging, especially when emotions are running high. That’s where our experienced Jacksonville child custody attorney comes in.

At our firm, we understand the complexities of child custody cases and will work tirelessly to protect your rights and the best interests of your child. Our team can help you gather the necessary evidence and present a compelling case to the court.

Don’t try to handle child custody matters on your own. Let our skilled Jacksonville child custody lawyer provide the guidance and support you need to achieve the best possible outcome for you and your child. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.

Modifying Child Visitation or Time-Sharing in Florida

Parents frequently look to change their existing visitation or time-sharing agreements. In fact, clients ask us about these changes more than any other. That’s only natural, as your daily schedule can change dramatically from one week or month to the next.

Arrangements that made both parties happy last year might not make sense anymore.

But courts can’t possibly handle every request for every tweak in a parent’s schedule. For that reason, they are reluctant to revisit visitation arrangements unless there has been a substantial change in the circumstances of either a parent or the child.

Here again, the child’s best interest is the prevailing standard, and that’s especially important if the proposed modification to visitation would involve relocation or a significant increase (or decrease) in the amount of time the child might spend with either parent.

As a Jacksonville timesharing law firm, we understand how important it is that visitation agreements make sense for the whole family as they evolve. We also understand that the court needs to be persuaded that a change is worth its time.

When you schedule an appointment with us, our experienced Jacksonville child visitation attorney can take a close look at your situation. This will help determine how we might best make a case to the court that there has been a substantial change in the circumstances (whenever possible).

Alimony Modification

Courts are similarly reluctant to revisit alimony arrangements unless there has been a truly substantial change in circumstances. Even then, if the substantial change is a voluntary one, if it was foreseeable when the original alimony plans were put in place, or if the change is of a temporary nature, the court might be less likely to agree to a modification.

For example, if a paying spouse voluntarily or intentionally takes a lower-paying job, the court might be hesitant to reduce his or her alimony obligation. On the other hand, if the spouse takes the new job out of necessity—because of layoffs or reduced benefits—the court might agree to modify alimony accordingly.

Typically, the court prefers to modify alimony only when there has been a substantial, permanent, and unexpected change in circumstances. Examples include:

A spouse dies;
A decline in the paying spouse’s health condition (or some other significant ability to meet his or her payment obligations);
The receiving spouse remarries (or enters into an ongoing relationship wherein a third party is providing significant financial support); or
Some other substantial changes in the receiving spouse’s financial situation.

Unsure as to whether you might qualify for alimony modification? Our Jacksonville alimony attorney can help.

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FAQ Section: Jacksonville Child Support Lawyer

How Is Child Support Calculated in Florida?

Florida uses a set formula and the Florida Child Support Guidelines to determine child support amounts. The formula considers each parent’s income, the number of overnights the child spends with each parent, medical and childcare costs, and other relevant expenses.

How Much Is Child Support in Florida?

Child support amounts depend on your family’s unique financial situation. That said, courts apply the state’s formula to ensure child support is fair and meets the child’s needs. The more children involved and the higher the combined income, the higher the payment will be.

Online child support calculators are available to provide a rough estimate of your child support amount. Estimates from these calculators are for informational purposes only. The court or other agency may consider other factors that are not part of the estimate. You can also work with a Jacksonville area child support lawyer to get an estimate of your child support amount.

How Do I File for Child Support in Florida?

You can file for child support as part of a divorce, paternity case, or as a separate legal action. To start the process, you must submit a petition for child support to your local family court. You can also apply online through the Florida Department of Revenue’s Child Support Program.

When Does Child Support End in Florida?

In most cases, child support ends when your child turns 18. However, support may continue until age 19 if the child is still in high school and expected to graduate before their 19th birthday. If the child has a long-term disability, support can continue into adulthood.

Can Child Support Be Changed After It’s Set?

Yes. You can request a modification of child support amounts if there is a substantial change in circumstances. This might include a significant change in income, job loss, disability, or increased needs of the child. A child support lawyer Jacksonville families trust can help you request a child support modification through the court.

What Happens If I Fall Behind on Child Support Payments in Florida?

Falling behind on child support in Florida can lead to serious legal and financial consequences. The court may take enforcement actions such as:

Suspending your driver’s license,
Garnishing your wages,
Intercepting tax refunds,
Placing liens on your property, or
Reporting the delinquency to credit agencies.

In more severe cases, you could be held in contempt of court, which may lead to fines or even jail time. If you’re struggling to make payments or want to enforce a child support order, it’s important to speak with a child support lawyer as soon as possible.

What If the Other Parent Lives Out of State?

If the other parent has moved away, you can still enforce or modify your child support order in Florida. Beller Law’s Jacksonville area child support lawyer can help make an out-of-state order valid in Florida so the courts can recognize and act on it.

Do I Need a Lawyer to Handle My Child Support Case?

You are not required to have a lawyer, but it can make the process much easier. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and options, gather the correct financial records, and present your case clearly to the court. They can also help you avoid common and costly mistakes.

Can Child Support Include College Expenses in Florida?

Florida law does not require either parent to pay for college after a child turns 18. Once a child becomes a legal adult, the obligation to pay court-ordered child support typically ends unless the child has a disability or the support order includes an agreement for extended support.

However, parents can agree to share the cost of college through a written settlement or parenting plan. These agreements can include tuition, books, housing, and other college-related expenses. If both parties sign the agreement and the court approves it, the agreement becomes enforceable under Florida law.

Why Choose Beller Law, PL for Your Child Support Case?

For more than 30 years, Beller Law, PL has helped countless families throughout Jacksonville navigate child support, custody, and visitation changes. Attorney Rebeccah Beller takes the time to understand your family’s unique story. Whether seeking support for the first time or requesting a modification due to life changes, we offer clear guidance and strong advocacy. Our firm serves Jacksonville clients with compassion, efficiency, and deep knowledge of Florida family law.

If you need to speak with a child support lawyer in the Jacksonville area, contact Beller Law, PL today. We’re ready to help protect your family’s future.

💡 Planning Your Next Step?

We know how overwhelming family legal issues can be. That’s why we’ve created blog resources to help answer your questions:

Take a look, and reach out to us when you’re ready to talk.

Contact Caring Jacksonville Modification Lawyer Who Serves the Changing Needs of Families

Attorney Rebeccah Beller of Beller Law, PL also handles clients with other types of cases, including:

At Beller Law, PL, our dedicated team of legal professionals is here to help you with all your family law concerns. From alimony and child support to custody, visitation, and modification, we have the knowledge and experience to provide you with effective legal solutions.

If you’re facing challenges related to child custody, our experienced Jacksonville child custody lawyer can provide you with compassionate guidance and support. We understand the complexities of these matters and will work tirelessly to protect your rights and the best interests of your child.

Don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Contact our skilled Jacksonville legal team today to schedule a consultation. Let us put our in-depth knowledge of the law to work for you and help you navigate these challenging times.