Florida Family Law
Family Law Modification Attorney in Orlando, Florida
Life changes. Your family law court order may need to change with it.
MGM Law Group helps Florida families understand their options when an existing court order no longer reflects their financial circumstances, parenting arrangements, or family needs. Whether you need to modify child support, alimony, parental responsibility, or a time-sharing schedule, our firm can help you understand the legal process and the steps available for your situation.
- Strong Advocate. Compassionate Counsel.
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- Florida Family Law
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- Orlando, Florida
Start Where You Are
Does Your Existing Court Order Still Work for You?
A change in circumstances may raise questions about whether your current family law order should be reviewed.
Child Support Modification
Your income, the other parent’s income, childcare expenses, health insurance costs, or other relevant circumstances have changed.
Parenting Plan & Time-Sharing Modification
Your child’s needs, school schedule, family circumstances, or the practical realities of your current parenting arrangement have changed.
Alimony Modification
A significant change in financial circumstances may affect an existing alimony obligation, depending on the type of award and applicable law.
Parental Responsibility Modification
You have concerns about whether the current decision-making arrangement continues to serve your child’s best interests.
Confidential Assessment
Discuss Your Situation. Speak directly with counsel to evaluate your existing decree and determine statutory standing.
Statutory Legal Threshold
When Can a Florida Family Law Order Be Modified?
Not every change in circumstances justifies a court modification. Florida law sets different requirements depending on the type of order involved.
A modification may be worth exploring when circumstances have materially changed since the original order was entered.
The applicable legal standard depends on the order you want to change. For example, modifying a parenting plan generally requires a substantial, material, and unanticipated change in circumstances, along with a determination that the requested change is in the child’s best interests.
A substantial change in either parent's income or financial situation.
Includes involuntary job loss, business fluctuations, or significant salary increases.
Changes affecting a child's needs or expenses.
Special medical requirements, private educational needs, or childcare shifts.
A parenting schedule that no longer works because of significant changes in family circumstances.
Child’s extracurricular growth, school zoning, or shift changes in parental employment.
Changes affecting a parent's ability to follow the existing parenting plan.
Relocation, health limitations, or substantial structural impediments.
Financial circumstances that may justify reviewing an existing alimony award.
Statutory retirement, changes in need, supportive relationships, or revised statute rules.
- IMPORTANT STATUTORY WARNING
Even when circumstances change, your existing court order remains in effect until the court approves a modification. Any requested change must meet the applicable legal requirements. Self-help or unilateral adjustments can result in contempt or enforcement proceedings under Florida Statute § 61.
Practice Domains
Types of Family Law Modifications We Handle
Comprehensive post-decree legal representation tailored to Florida statutory requirements.
Child Support Modification
Child support may need to be reviewed when financial circumstances or a child’s needs change. Depending on the circumstances, relevant factors may include income, healthcare costs, childcare expenses, and the existing time-sharing arrangement. We help clients understand whether a review may be appropriate and what financial information may be needed.
Parenting Plan & Time-Sharing Modification
As children grow, their needs and routines may change. Parents may also experience changes in work schedules, living arrangements, or other circumstances that affect the existing parenting plan. We help parents understand the legal requirements for requesting changes to time-sharing or parental responsibility.
Alimony Modification
Some alimony awards may be modified or terminated when the legal requirements are satisfied. The type of award, the terms of the existing order, and the circumstances surrounding the requested change all matter. We help clients evaluate their options under applicable Florida law.
Other Post-Judgment Family Law Issues
Some situations involve more than one part of an existing family law order. We can help you identify the issues that need review and understand the appropriate next steps.
Dispute Resolution & Litigation
What If the Other Party Disagrees?
Disagreements may arise over whether an existing court order should be modified or what changes are appropriate. MGM Law Group can help you understand the issues in dispute, organize relevant documentation, and prepare to present your position through the appropriate legal process. Our focus is on helping you make informed decisions while keeping the applicable legal requirements and your family’s circumstances in view.
- UNCONTESTED PATH
When Agreement Is Possible (Supplemental Petition & Joint Stipulation)
When an agreement is possible, the proposed changes may be presented to the court for approval as required. Both parties can sign a joint stipulation or consent agreement, minimizing court hearings, reducing costs, and streamlining the approval process through judicial review.
- Negotiated settlement agreement drafting
- Joint stipulation submission to judge
- Order entered without contentious trials
- UNCONTESTED PATH
When Parties Disagree (Contested Supplemental Proceedings, Mandatory Mediation, & Evidentiary Hearings)
When the parties disagree, a contested modification proceeding may be necessary. Florida family courts routinely order mandatory mediation before setting trial dates. If impasse persists, our firm prepares robust evidentiary presentations to advocate for your legal position.
- Formal supplemental petition & responsive pleading
- Court-mandated family mediation representation
- Evidentiary hearing before Florida circuit judge
What Happens Next?
The Family Law Modification Process
A structured 5-step roadmap to assess, file, and finalize modified family law decrees in Central Florida.
Review Existing Order
We begin by identifying what the current order requires, what you want to change, and whether any specific terms affect your options.
Evaluate Change
We discuss what has changed since the order was entered and how those changes may relate to the applicable legal standard.
Gather Supporting Information
Depending on your case, useful records may include financial documents, parenting schedules, school or childcare information, communications, or other relevant evidence.
Pursue Legal Process
Depending on the circumstances, this may involve negotiation, a request for court approval of an agreement, or a contested court proceeding.
Address Court Decision
If the court grants a modification, the new order will establish the applicable requirements. Until an existing order is legally changed, continue to follow it unless the court directs otherwise.
The MGM Difference
Strategic Advocacy. Compassionate Counsel.
Strong Advocate
We work to present your position clearly and pursue an approach suited to your circumstances and legal objectives.
Clear Legal Counsel
We explain the process, discuss relevant considerations, and help you understand the decisions ahead.
Compassionate Guidance
Your circumstances are unique. We take time to understand what has changed and what you hope to address.
A Note From Founding Attorney
“When family circumstances change, it is important to understand your legal options before making decisions that may affect your future. My goal is to help clients navigate that process with clarity, preparation, and compassionate counsel.”
— Melissa Gabriela Morales
Founding Attorney, MGM Law Group
- Strong Advocate
- Compassionate Counsel
- Florida Family Law
- Se Habla Español
Direct Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
Clear guidance on modifying Florida family law judgments.
1. Can I modify a family law court order in Florida?
Possibly. The requirements depend on the type of order and the circumstances that have changed. A review of your existing order and situation can help clarify whether a modification may be appropriate.
2. What qualifies as a substantial change in circumstances?
The legal standard varies by issue. For parenting plans and time-sharing, Florida law generally requires a substantial and change in circumstances and a finding that the requested modification serves the child’s best interests. Other types of modifications have their own requirements.
3. What types of alimony are available in Florida?
A change in income may be relevant, but it does not automatically change the amount ordered. The court considers the applicable law and circumstances when deciding whether a modification is justified.
4. Can I change my parenting plan if my child's needs change?
Possibly. Changes in a child’s needs or family circumstances may be relevant, but the court must apply Florida’s legal requirements and consider the child’s best interests.
5. Can alimony be changed after a divorce?
Some alimony awards may be modified or terminated under Florida law. Eligibility depends on the type of award, the existing order or agreement, and the circumstances involved.
6. Do both parties have to agree to a modification?
No. An agreement may make the process more straightforward, but a party may seek a modification through the appropriate court process when the other party disagrees. The requesting party must still meet the applicable legal requirements.
7. Can I stop following my existing order while seeking a modification?
Generally, you should continue complying with the existing order unless it is legally changed or the court directs otherwise. Filing a request does not, by itself, replace the current requirements.
8. How long does a family law modification take?
The timeline varies depending on the type of modification, the complexity of the issues, the availability of evidence, court scheduling, and whether the parties agree.
9. What should I bring to a consultation?
If available, bring a copy of the existing court order and relevant records concerning the changes you want to address. Depending on your case, these may include financial documents, parenting schedules, or other supporting information.
understanding your parental rights starts with clarity
Take the Next Step With a Clear Understanding of Your Options.
Whether you need to establish paternity, respond to a legal petition, address disputed parentage, or resolve related parenting and child-support issues, understanding the legal process is an important first step.
MGM Law Group can help you identify the issues that matter and understand the options that may be available under Florida law.
- 100% Confidential Case Review
- Orlando Office: 390 N Orange Ave, Suite 1400
- (407) 555-0192
Request a Confidential Consultation
Complete the intake below. Our family law team will review your circumstances within one business day.
All communications are protected under Florida Evidence Code § 90.502 attorney-client privilege.