Life changes — and Florida family law recognizes that. If your circumstances have shifted since your divorce or family court judgment, you may be eligible to modify an existing order related to child custody (time-sharing), child support, or alimony.
At Cooper & Cooper, P.A., we help individuals and families throughout Northeast Florida — including Jacksonville, Fleming Island, Orange Park, Green Cove Springs, St. Augustine, Fernandina Beach, Yulee, Palatka, Macclenny, and surrounding areas — pursue or defend post-judgment modifications that reflect their current reality.
✅ When Can a Family Law Order Be Modified in Florida?
You can seek a modification when there has been a substantial and material change in circumstances. As of July 1, 2023, the change no longer needs to be unanticipated to qualify for a modification of a parenting plan or time-sharing schedule.
This legal update (via 2023 House Bill 1301) makes it easier for Florida parents to adjust their parenting plans to reflect their child’s evolving needs or changes in the parent’s circumstances.
🔁 Common Reasons for Modifying a Family Court Order
✳️ Parenting Plan / Time-Sharing
- A parent is relocating or moving to another county/state
- The child’s academic, emotional, or medical needs have changed
- One parent is not complying with the current order
- The current schedule is no longer practical or in the child’s best interests
📖 Learn more: Florida Child Custody Laws: A Guide for Parents
💰 Child Support
- Substantial change in either parent’s income
- Change in health care or child care costs
- Shift in time-sharing percentages
- Loss of employment or new job opportunity
📖 See our post: Child Support in Florida: A Guide for Parents
💼 Alimony (Spousal Support)
- Retirement or job loss of the paying spouse
- Significant income increase or decrease
- Remarriage or cohabitation of the receiving spouse
⚖️ Legal Standard for Modifications in Florida (Updated)
To successfully modify an existing order, the requesting party must demonstrate that:
- The change in circumstances is substantial
- The change is material and ongoing
- The modification is in the best interest of the child (for custody/time-sharing)
⚠️ The “unanticipated” requirement was removed for parenting plans and time-sharing orders, making it easier to file a request when circumstances naturally evolve over time.
👨⚖️ Do You Need an Attorney?
While it’s possible to file a Supplemental Petition on your own, modifications are complex — especially if the other party contests the request. A family law attorney will help you:
- Gather and present the necessary evidence
- Prepare and file legal documents correctly
- Represent you in mediation or court hearings
- Protect your rights and your child’s best interests
📞 Schedule a free consultation with Cooper & Cooper, P.A.
🏛️ Local Experience in Northeast Florida Courts
Our firm represents clients throughout the Fourth, Seventh, and Eighth Judicial Circuits, including:
- Duval County (Jacksonville)
- Clay County (Fleming Island, Orange Park, Middleburg, Green Cove Springs, Keystone Heights)
- Nassau County (Yulee, Fernandina Beach, Amelia Island, Hilliard)
- St. Johns County (St. Johns, St. Augustine, Nocatee, Ponte Vedra, Ponte Vedra Beach)
- Putnam County (Palatka)
- Baker County (Macclenny, Glen St. Mary)
📞 Let’s Update Your Family Court Order
If your parenting schedule, support order, or financial situation has changed, let’s talk. You may have a strong case to modify an outdated family court order.
📞 Call (904) 717-2327 for a FREE 30-minute consultation
🌐 Visit us at www.coopercooperpa.com
Protecting your family, your legacy, & your peace of mind.