Life changes—and so can your legal agreements. At McNary Law, we understand that the terms of your divorce, child custody, or support arrangement might not always reflect your current reality.
Whether you’ve experienced a significant change in income, remarriage, relocation, or your child’s needs have evolved, our Bradenton and Sarasota attorneys can help you pursue or defend a modification to existing family law orders. We provide clear guidance, strong advocacy, and personalized attention to ensure your modified agreements align with your current circumstances and best interests.
Understanding Post-Judgment Modifications
Family law orders are intended to provide stability—but they aren’t set in stone. When life circumstances shift substantially, Florida law allows you to request a modification of certain court orders, including:
These modifications must be approved by the court, and the requesting party bears the burden of proving that a substantial, material, and unanticipated change has occurred.
Common Reasons for a Modification
Not every change warrants a legal modification. Courts require significant and lasting changes. Common justifications include:
Income Changes
A substantial increase or decrease in either parent’s income may support a modification of child support or alimony.
Job Relocation or Loss
If a parent is relocating due to employment, or has lost their job, it may affect parenting time and support obligations.
Health Issues
Serious illness or disability can justify a change in custody or support obligations.
Change in Child’s Needs
As children grow, their educational, medical, or emotional needs may change—sometimes dramatically.
Remarriage or Cohabitation
These factors may affect alimony, particularly if the recipient spouse’s financial circumstances improve significantly.
Child Custody & Parenting Plan Modifications
Florida courts favor stability for children, so modifying custody or a parenting plan is not taken lightly. You must demonstrate a material and substantial change that affects the child’s well-being.
For example:
A parent develops a substance abuse problem
A parent is frequently violating the existing parenting plan
The child is struggling emotionally or academically due to the current arrangement
McNary Law’s attorneys in Bradenton and Sarasota have extensive experience navigating these complex, high-stakes modifications with a focus on the child’s best interests.
Modifying Child Support in Florida
Child support can be modified up or down if the new amount would vary by at least 15% or $50 (whichever is greater) from the existing order, per Florida law. Changes in income, daycare costs, insurance coverage, or a child’s age and needs are common grounds for these adjustments.
We’ll help you:
Calculate new child support obligations accurately
Petition for a modification or defend against one
Ensure proper filing and representation in court
Alimony Modifications
Alimony may be modified or terminated based on:
A change in either party’s financial circumstances
Retirement
Remarriage or a supportive relationship by the recipient
Florida Senate Bill 1416, passed in recent years, also changed aspects of permanent alimony and cohabitation factors. Let our attorneys help you assess whether your case qualifies under these evolving standards.
Relocation with a Child
Under Florida law, relocating more than 50 miles from your current residence for more than 60 days requires court approval or written agreement from the other parent. Even with consent, it often triggers a need to modify the parenting plan.
McNary Law can guide you through:
Drafting or opposing a Petition to Relocate
Updating time-sharing schedules
Resolving disputes through negotiation or trial
We also handle initial child relocation cases—visit our Child Relocation page for more.
When an Agreement Is No Longer Working
Even the most carefully negotiated divorce or parenting plan may no longer fit your reality. If you and your former spouse can agree on changes, the court will likely approve a stipulated modification.
If not, we’re prepared to represent your interests at mediation, hearing, or trial. Our experience in family law litigation means we know how to build a persuasive case, whether you’re seeking or opposing changes.
Why Work with McNary Law?
At McNary Law, our Bradenton-based attorneys serve families throughout Bradenton and Sarasota with compassion, clarity, and commitment. Our core values—honesty, accountability, and problem-solving—guide every case we take.
Whether you’re modifying a parenting plan, child support order, or alimony agreement, we’re here to:
Evaluate your eligibility for modification
Draft and file persuasive petitions
Protect your financial interests and parental rights
Advocate for the best outcome—inside and outside the courtroom
We also offer services in divorce, child custody, mediation, injunctions, and criminal defense, ensuring you have comprehensive legal support during life’s toughest transitions.
Take the Next Step
If your family’s needs have changed, don’t wait. Our team is here to help you take control of your future.
Click here to send us a message or call us today at 941-345-1662 to schedule a consultation.
