I Want To Modify My Divorce Decree In Florida: How Can I Do That?
So you’ve already divorced. Papers are signed and the decree is final. But anything can change in life. You lose your job. Your ex wants to relocate. The kids have new needs. You’re thinking: “Can I modify the divorce decree in Florida?” The answer: absolutely—but only if you know the rules.
At Madonna Law Group, we work with clients to turn “I can’t believe this changed” into a legal plan. Let’s break it down.
What’s Modifiable and What’s Not?
Florida courts typically won’t revisit how marital assets were divided. That part of your decree is mostly frozen. But the parts that can change include:
- Custody and time-sharing, now known as parental responsibility
- Child support
- Spousal support/alimony
To get any change, you have to prove there’s been a substantial and material change in circumstances since the decree went final.
What Counts as a “Substantial Change”?
You can’t just ask for a modification because things feel different. Florida requires real changes, like:
- A drastic income shift (getting fired, career change, or promotion);
- A new significant expense (for instance, medical bills or childcare);
- Cohabitation or remarriage of the ex, which can affect alimony;
- Health issues (your own or a child’s);
- Relocation that impacts time-sharing; and
- Safety concerns like domestic violence, or a child’s new needs.
As of July 1, 2023, Florida courts dropped the “unanticipated” requirement, making it a bit easier to argue for modification.
If you and your ex agree to changes—great. You can file a stipulated modification and get court approval quickly. Consensus trumps conflict every time.
If not, your request will head to court. Then a judge will weigh your evidence against the legal standard and decide what makes sense.
Why You May Need a Family Law Attorney
Here’s the tricky part: getting the legal forms right is half the battle. Mess up a detail and your petition gets delayed or denied. If you don’t want any of that, working with a Dade City family attorney might be an idea worth considering. Plus, an attorney can help you:
- Building a solid argument for “substantial change”
- Documenting financials or the child’s best interests
- Negotiating a settlement if possible (or fighting in court if needed)
Divorce decrees aren’t set in stone. They’re meant to reflect your life—and your needs—over time. And we, at Madonna Law Group, are here to help with that.
Need Help Modifying a Divorce Decree?
In Florida, you can change child support, spousal support, or time-sharing if you prove the world around your divorce changed. This needs a plan. Our attorney at Madonna Law Group can help you develop that plan. Discuss your particular situation today by calling our office at (352) 567-0411.
Source:
flcourts.gov/Resources-Services/Office-of-Family-Courts/Family-Court-in-Florida/Family-Law-Forms/Supplemental-Modification-Petitions-12.905-Forms-A-C
