How to Reduce or Modify Child Support in Florida
Both parents must provide support for their children. This obligation survives even after a divorce. After a divorce, it is common for one parent to receive custody of the child and for the other parent to pay child support. In Florida, the Florida Child Support Guidelines helps the court determine the amount of support necessary. The amount of support is based on the parents' income and number of children. If a significant change in circumstances occurs, the amount can be modified and reduced.
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Instructions
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Obtain a "Petition for Modification of Child Support" form and a "Child Support Guidelines Worksheet" from the circuit court in your area. These forms are also available over the Internet at the Florida Courts website.
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Fill out the petition for modification of child support. Pay special attention to section 3. In this section, you must provide the court with facts that show a "significant change in circumstances." The change must be a long-term effect to the net income of either parent. This means that either the custodial parent must have received a significant raise of a better job offer or that you have been laid off of suffered some condition that prevents you from working.
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Send the completed form to the circuit court that first ordered the child support. Send an original copy of the completed form to the other parent.
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Complete and file the child support guidelines worksheet. This form can be filed after sending your petition for modification. Use the most current financial information of you and your spouse. The "new" guidelines must differ by either 15% of the original amount or by $50, whichever is greater.
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Attend the court hearing scheduled to resolve this matter. The court clerk will schedule a hearing to determine whether a significant change in circumstances exists warranting a modification of child support. You will receive a notice of when the hearing is. Appear and argue your case to the judge.
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