Four Corners Divorce Modification Attorney

Legal Guidance When Your Order No Longer Fits

When a divorce, custody, child support, or spousal maintenance order no longer fits real life, it can feel like you are trapped by paperwork. You might be struggling to make payments you cannot afford, or watching your parenting schedule fall apart as your children grow and circumstances change. If you need to revisit your judgment, our team at The Law Offices of Justin Rickman is here to help you understand your options.

We work with parents and former spouses in and around Four Corners who need to pursue or defend a post-judgment change. With more than 40 years of combined legal experience, and familiarity with the courts that serve this community, we guide clients through the Florida modification process with structure and clarity. From the first conversation, our goal is to help you feel less overwhelmed and more in control.

Whether you are considering filing or you have already been served with papers, you do not have to figure this out on your own. We walk you through possible scenarios, explain realistic outcomes in plain language, and build a clear plan for how we will approach your case from start to finish.

To schedule a consultation, call (888) 835-5840 or contact us online today.

What is Modification?

In the realm of family law, a modification is a legal process used to change the terms of an existing court order or final judgment. While these orders are intended to be "final," the Florida court system recognizes that significant, unanticipated changes can occur.

However, you cannot simply decide to stop following a court order because your situation has changed. Doing so can lead to "contempt of court" charges, fines, or loss of rights. To legally change your obligations or rights regarding alimony, child support, or time-sharing, you must file a Supplemental Petition with the court and prove that a modification is warranted.

Common Types of Modifications

Not every minor change justifies a trip back to the courthouse. In Florida, the court generally looks for a "substantial, material, and permanent" change in circumstances. Here are the most common areas where modifications occur:

1Child Support Modification

Child support is calculated based on the income of both parents and the number of overnights the child spends with each. You may seek a modification if:

• Either parent experiences a significant increase or decrease in income (usually at least a 15% change).
• The child’s healthcare or childcare costs have changed significantly.
• The time-sharing schedule has shifted, meaning one parent is providing more daily support than originally anticipated.

Time-Sharing and Parenting Plans

As children grow, their schedules change. What worked for a toddler rarely works for a teenager. Modifications to parenting plans often arise due to:

• A parent’s work schedule change.
• Concerns regarding a parent’s fitness (substance abuse or neglect).
• The child’s educational or medical needs.
• Relocation: If a parent intends to move more than 50 miles away, Florida’s relocation statutes require a specific legal process.

Alimony Modification

Unless an alimony agreement was specifically labeled as "non-modifiable," it may be adjusted if:

• The paying spouse retires (in good faith).
• The receiving spouse enters into a "supportive relationship" (cohabitation with a partner who provides financial support).
• There is a permanent disability or involuntary loss of high-paying employment.

How to Modify a Family Court Order in Florida

The process of modification is often as rigorous as the initial divorce or custody case. Here is the general roadmap our Four Corners modification lawyers follow:

1. Filing the Supplemental Petition: We draft and file a formal request with the court in the county where the original order was issued (or where the parties currently reside, depending on the circumstances).
2. Service of Process: The other party must be formally served with the petition, giving them the opportunity to respond.
3. Discovery and Mandatory Disclosure: Both parties are usually required to exchange financial documents (tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements) to verify the "substantial change" in circumstances.
4. Mediation: Florida courts almost always require families to attempt mediation before seeing a judge. This is often where we reach an amicable agreement that saves our clients time and stress.
5. Trial: If mediation fails, a judge will hear evidence and testimony to decide if the modification meets the legal threshold for approval.

Modification FAQs

Does a new marriage count as a "change in circumstances"?

Generally, no. In Florida, a parent’s remarriage (by itself) usually does not justify a change in child support or alimony. However, if the new spouse’s contributions significantly change a party's financial status or if the new home environment affects a child’s well-being, it could be a factor.

Can I modify my order if we both agree?

Yes! If both parties agree to the changes, we can file a Joint Stipulation. This is much faster and more cost-effective. However, the judge still needs to sign off on it to ensure it meets the "best interests of the child" standard.

Can you help if my ex already filed to change our order?

Yes. We regularly represent clients who have been served with modification papers. We review the filings, explain what your former spouse is asking for, and discuss your options for responding. Our team then works to protect your rights through negotiation or, if needed, at hearings.

How long does the process take?

An uncontested modification (where everyone agrees) can be finalized in a few weeks. A contested modification that goes to trial can take several months to a year, depending on the court’s backlog.

Can child support be changed retroactively?

In most cases, child support can only be modified retroactively to the date the petition was filed. This is why it is critical to contact a lawyer the moment your circumstances change—waiting six months to file could cost you thousands of dollars in unrecoverable support.

How Our Team Handles Modifications

Once you know that a change might be possible, the next concern is how the process will actually unfold. At The Law Offices of Justin Rickman, we take a structured approach from the first call so you always know what comes next. We start by reviewing your existing judgment, any prior agreements, and the key facts about what has changed. Then we outline potential paths, whether that means filing a petition, responding to a petition you received, or exploring negotiated adjustments.

Early in the case, we build a plan that maps out major stages. These often include gathering financial records and other documents, communicating with the other party or their lawyer, participating in mediation if required, and preparing for any hearings. We explain where important decisions are likely to arise, such as whether to accept a proposed agreement or move forward to a contested hearing. This roadmap helps you feel more prepared and less reactive as new developments occur.

Preparation is a core part of how we handle modification cases. We walk clients through what may happen at mediation or in front of a judge, including how testimony works, what questions they might be asked, and what the court will be focused on. Our goal is for you to arrive at each step already knowing the process, your objectives, and possible outcomes, rather than trying to absorb everything in the moment.

Communication is just as important as preparation. We work to return calls and messages promptly, even when we are managing active court calendars. Our experienced paralegals play a central role in keeping your case organized, tracking deadlines, and making sure you receive updates as your matter progresses. This team approach allows us to keep cases moving forward and helps you avoid the frustration of feeling left in the dark.

We also understand that many modification situations are urgent. If you are facing a sudden loss of income, a relocation deadline, or service of new pleadings from your former spouse, waiting weeks to act is rarely a good option. When clients retain us, we move quickly on filings and next steps so that your concerns are presented to the court efficiently. When negotiation is possible, we work to pursue practical solutions that can spare your family the strain of extended litigation, while keeping your rights and long-term interests at the forefront.

In some cases, contested hearings become necessary. Our attorneys bring decades of combined litigation experience, including significant time in criminal courts, to the courtroom. We advocate firmly when the stakes are high and continue pushing even when a case could go either way. For many clients, simply knowing that we are prepared to go to court, and that they will be thoroughly prepared with us, provides a sense of stability during an uncertain chapter.

Call (888) 835-5840 to speak with our team about your modification questions.