Lower or change your child support.
Support set on a job you lost, overtime that ended, or a schedule that no longer matches reality can be changed. But only from the date you file, so every month you wait is money you will not get back.
In Florida, a parent can ask the court to modify child support by filing a supplemental petition when the circumstances or either parent's financial ability changes (Fla. Stat. 61.14(1)(a)). Under the guidelines, the new amount generally must differ from the current order by at least 15% or $50, whichever is greater (Fla. Stat. 61.30(1)(b)). A change in overnights matters too: once a parent has at least 20 percent of the overnights in a year (about 73 nights), the guidelines adjust support for time-sharing (Fla. Stat. 61.30(11)(b)).
Changes that usually justify a modification
- Involuntary job loss or a real drop in income
- Support set on income imputed to you that you never actually earned
- More overnights with your children than the order assumed
- The other parent's income went up substantially
- Health insurance or childcare costs changed
- A child turned 18 and graduated, or another child was born
What does not work
Quitting a job or cutting hours on purpose. Courts can impute income to a parent who is voluntarily underemployed, and a judge will look hard at the timing. Do not stop paying on your own either: arrears keep accruing until a court changes the order.
How the process goes
- We run the guidelines on current numbers to see whether you meet the threshold.
- We file a supplemental petition and serve the other parent.
- Both sides exchange financial affidavits and documents.
- Most cases resolve at mediation. If not, the judge decides at a hearing.
Run the numbers before you pay anyone
Two quick checks fathers ask about most. For a full guidelines worksheet, use the Florida child support calculator at our family law practice.
Questions fathers ask
Can child support be lowered retroactively?
A modification may be made retroactive to the date the petition is filed (Fla. Stat. 61.14(1)(a)), not before. That is why filing promptly matters.
What if I lost my job?
An involuntary job loss is a common basis for modification. Courts look at your efforts to find new work and may impute income if you are voluntarily unemployed.
Does more time with my kids lower support?
It can. Once you have at least 20 percent of the year's overnights (about 73 nights), the guidelines adjust support for the time-sharing schedule.
Can I just stop paying while the case is pending?
No. The existing order stays in force until the court changes it, and unpaid support becomes arrears.
Get a plan before your next court date.
Start with a one-on-one strategy session with Attorney Fraser. You leave with a written plan: what the court is likely to look at, what to file, what it costs, and the timeline. No surprise bills.
Prefer email? mail@fraserlawfl.com. Divorce or alimony? See our full family practice at FirstCoastFamilyLawyers.com.