The Law Office Of Paul J. Phipps

What Can Be Modified?

Not every part of a family law case can be changed, but common modification requests involve:

• Child support

• Alimony

• Parenting plans and time-sharing schedules

• Certain financial obligations related to children

Each type of modification has specific legal standards that must be met before the court will grant relief.

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When Is Modification Allowed?

To modify most family law orders, Florida law generally requires proof of a substantial, material, and unanticipated change in circumstances since the entry of the last order.

Examples may include:

• Significant increase or decrease in income

• Job loss or career changes

• Changes in the child’s needs

• Relocation of a parent

• Changes in time-sharing arrangements

Not every change qualifies. Minor or temporary changes are usually not enough to justify modification.

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Modifying Child Support

Child support may be modified when financial circumstances or time-sharing arrangements change significantly.

We assist with:

• Reviewing income changes and employment issues

• Analyzing updated financial affidavits

• Preparing child support guideline worksheets

• Evaluating whether legal thresholds for modification are met

Accurate financial information is critical, and courts rely heavily on proper guideline calculations.

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Modifying Parenting Plans and Time-Sharing

Parenting plans may be modified when changes affect the child’s best interests and meet legal standards for modification.

Modification requests may involve:

• Changes in work schedules

• School-related concerns

• Relocation issues

• Ongoing conflicts affecting the child

• Safety or stability concerns

Courts carefully evaluate these cases, and the focus is always on the child’s long-term well-being.

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Modifying Alimony

Alimony modifications typically require proof of:

• Substantial income changes

• Retirement

• Health issues affecting earning ability

• Other major life changes

Whether alimony can be modified may also depend on the type of alimony awarded in the original order and the specific terms of that order.

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Defending Against Improper Modification Requests

Not all modification requests are valid. Sometimes a party seeks modification without meeting the legal requirements or based on circumstances that already existed when the original order was entered.

We also represent clients who are responding to modification petitions and work to:

• Identify whether a legal basis for modification exists

• Challenge inaccurate income claims

• Protect existing time-sharing arrangements

• Prevent unnecessary or unfair changes to court orders

 

Why Legal Advice Matters in Modification Cases

Modification cases are not automatic and are often contested. Courts require specific evidence and legal standards must be met before orders are changed.

We help clients by:

• Reviewing existing court orders

• Evaluating whether modification is legally justified

• Preparing and filing proper motions

• Representing clients in mediation and hearings

• Protecting long-term parental and financial interests

 

Our goal is to pursue modifications only when appropriate and to defend against improper requests when necessary.

Talk to an Attorney Before Filing for Modification

If you believe your current court order no longer reflects your circumstances or your child’s needs, it is important to understand your legal options before taking action.