Orlando Modification of Final Judgment Lawyers
Orlando Modification of Final Judgments
Post divorce, one may be forced to go back to court to "modify" the final judgment because life's circumstances have changed. One parent may want to relocate with the children out of state. Another parent may want to reduce child support because of a loss of a job or a serious illness. Child custody can be challenged if one of the parents is alienating the affections of the child for the other parent or if the non-residential parent feels that it is now in the child’s best interest to reside with them. Additionally, a child visitation schedule can be changed through the modification process.
Florida courts recognize the need for many divorced spouses to change the terms of their child support and visitation terms for various reasons, but generally require that a strong showing of changed circumstances be presented before it grants a motion for modification. Where the request for modification is based on changed financial circumstances, the court will usually need to see a 15 percent change in the ability to make payments. A change this substantial can be based on upward or downward changes in income. An increase or decrease in income for either party will offset the child support equation, thereby increasing or decreasing the child support obligation. Modifications in child support may also be requested if there are unavoidable increases or decreases in living expenses, or other significant changes.
It is common for divorce decrees to be modified on two or three occasions if children are involved. Divorce decrees which involve alimony are often modified every few years. Longwell & Gentle, P.A., assists clients in attempting to change the terms of their divorce decrees based upon a substantial change in the client's circumstances since their divorce decrees were entered. Some of the "changes" that can be made include but are not limited to:
- Child support: Child support can be increased or decreased;
- Custody: Custody of children can also be given to the other parent or be more equally shared under certain circumstances;
- Visitation: Visitation provisions of a divorce decree can also be modified;
- Alimony: Alimony can be reduced, increased or even terminated under certain conditions.
Longwell & Gentle, P.A., can represent either the party seeking the modification or the party resisting it. In either case, we will make sure you have a firm understanding of your rights and responsibilities under the law, and we can help you achieve your objectives to the extent the law allows.
Longwell & Gentle serves all of Central Florida, including Orange, Osceola, Seminole, Brevard, Volusia, and Lake counties. We offer a consultation that allows you to meet personally with one of our family lawyers to confidentially discuss your case. Spanish speaking family law attorneys and staff are available to further assist out clients. Our firm has reasonable fees and flexible payment plans. Longwell & Gentle, works hard to achieve the best possible outcome for our clients.