What is Modification of Decrees?

Post-decree modifications of court orders are a part of life in family law.  Sometimes things don’t go as they should.  Sometimes the court orders that used to work just don’t work anymore.  Perhaps the court heard all the evidence, and didn’t rule in your favor, but things have changed since then.  Perhaps you made an agreement with your ex, which the court made an order, but now they aren’t holding up their end of the bargain. Perhaps the needs of the child have changed and your ex can no longer meet the child’s needs, or perhaps your ex has changed and they can no longer parent your child properly.  Whatever the reason, if you have had a change in circumstances, it may be time for a change in your custody, visitation, shared parenting, child support or spousal support orders.

Quattrone Family Law knows that in Tampa, post-decree modifications are not simply another bite at the apple.  You need to know what the law requires to get the changes you want, and you need to have evidence to meet your burden of proof. Evidence comes in many forms, including exhibits and testimony, but your evidence must be admissible under the Florida Rules of Evidence.  Each Florida Family Law Attorney at our firm has the experience to provide you with advice regarding the law, your evidence, and the strengths and weaknesses of your post-decree modification case.

At Quattrone Family Law, we believe in straight talk.  If we think you don’t have your ducks in a row yet, we’ll tell you.  If you have a case, but need some help understanding what is evidence, what is not, and how to start collecting your evidence, we’ll help you with that.  We know that preparation is the key to success, and we want you to be involved in preparing your case.  The best results are achieved when the client participates in the gathering and organization of his or her case and evidence.

Establishing Paternity

When the parents of a child are not married at the beginning of the pregnancy or at the birth of the child, the father is legally without the rights and responsibilities of a parent. The father, mother must seek a declaration of paternity is necessary to legally establish a parent-child relationship with the father.  Until paternity has been established, a father has no legally enforceable rights and the mother is the decision maker for the child.  The formality of DNA testing is usually not necessary in these cases, but is an option if there is a dispute or uncertainty about the identity of the biological father. 

Child support is directly affected by time sharing with a child, and may not be factored into calculations if the case that is limited to support issues.  If you spend significant time with your child, it should be considered in the support calculation.      

Benefits of Establishing Paternity

By establishing paternity, you will give your child the rights and benefits enjoyed by children born to married parents:

• Legal proof of each parent’s identity.
• Information regarding family medical history (in case of inherited health problems).
• Medical or life insurance from either parent (if available).
• Financial support from both parents, including child support, Social Security, veterans benefits and military allowances (if applicable), and inheritance.