When can I Lower My Child Support in Florida?

In Florida, child support is one of the inevitable parts of the family law and the law clearly dictates the level and nature of child support to be given to the custodial parent. The current economic scenario reflects the fact that child support modifications are on the rise in the state and the economic downturn had a blast on the income of non-custodial parents in Florida.
If you are a non-custodial parent (usually the father) seeking ways to reduce child support in Florida, this article might be for you. Most of the parents in Florida are seeking child support modifications because of significant and justifiable reasons and most of the circumstances demand a downward modification of child support.
Basic Defense Elements to Lower Child Support
Florida statutes state that a child support modification is possible only with “Substantial change of circumstances”. It is sometimes a necessity to lower your child support due to changes in employment, inability to work due to bad health conditions or loss of job. The basic elements of defense from the perspective of the paying party can be outlined as:
• Significant change of child care costs and health insurance
• Loss of income, extended unemployment or loss of job that is permanent in nature
• Significant change in the visitation or time-sharing agreement
• If the parent can prove that the circumstance change is not transient, there is scope for child support modification if the change is involuntary in nature
• If the child is spending more time with the parent (father) who is contributing child support, there is chance to reduce the child support
Proving necessity of the modification is essential for reducing the child support and the circumstances can be considered substantial if it is permanent, significant and material in nature. With the help of an expert Florida family lawyer, strong and cemented defense platform can be built so that the child can be reduced considerably.