Florida Child Support Enforcement: Your Rights In Changing Support Payments In Tampa

For divorced or single parents, regular support payments help ensure children have what they need to thrive. Once a court order is issued, Florida child support enforcement is vigilant in ensuring payments are made.

What happens when prior arrangements no longer work, and you need to change the amount of support payments? Our Tampa child support lawyer explains when this may be an option and the legal steps required.

Tampa Child Support Orders And Enforcement Efforts

Under the Florida Statutes, parents have a legal duty to support their children financially. In cases of divorced or single parents, child support is ordered based on each party’s income, the child’s basic needs, and other details surrounding the situation.

Unfortunately, once a child support order is in place, circumstances can change, and sometimes dramatically so. If you are the paying parent, lost income due to recent hurricane damage in our area, the failure of a business, or even starting a family with another partner can make it harder to come up with the total amount owed.

Child support enforcement in Florida is strict. Failing to make payments or making less than the total amount owed could result in actions being taken against you through the Florida Department of Revenue. This can include:

• Wage garnishment;
• Asset seizure;
• Property liens;
• Seizure of tax returns or other benefits;
• Suspension of your driver’s or business license.

Rather than taking actions on your own that could put you at risk, speak with our Tampa child support lawyer. We may be able to petition the court to reduce or otherwise change the amount of your payments.

How To Request Child Support Modifications In Tampa

Judges are generally reluctant to change court orders once they are put in place. However, if you pay child support in Tampa, you may be able to request modifications through the Hillsborough County Family Court if you can show a significant change in circumstances. You can also request modifications if you are the receiving parent and feel your child is not getting the total amount they deserve.

Modification to an existing child support order may be requested by filing a petition through the family court and detailing the changes that prompt your request. This may include:

• The other parent came into an inheritance or otherwise had a significant change in income;
• You uncover hidden assets they failed to disclose on prior financial affidavits;
• You lose your job or otherwise are unable to work;
• Your child’s needs increase, such as requiring specialized education or medical care.

Discuss Your Options With Our Experienced Tampa Child Support Lawyer

Once a Tampa child support order is in place, you can face strict enforcement efforts if it is not paid. However, it is possible to request modifications in some cases, depending on whether you are the paying or receiving parent.

To discuss your options, contact Bubley & Bubley, P.A. We have the experience and skills needed to help you get the best possible results in legal proceedings. Request a consultation today with our Tampa child support lawyer.

Sources:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.30.html

floridarevenue.com/childsupport/Pages/default.aspx