Family law
Modification
A court's change to an existing order, such as child support, alimony or a parenting plan, usually because circumstances have substantially changed.[1][2]
In more detail
Florida lets either party ask the court to change support or alimony when circumstances or a party's financial ability change,[1] and requires a substantial and material change of circumstances to modify a parenting plan or time-sharing schedule.[2] Some awards, such as Florida's bridge-the-gap alimony, can't be modified.[3]
Varies by state
Standards for modifying orders differ by state and type of order. Find your state’s rules.
Related terms
- Child supportMoney a court orders a parent to pay to help cover a child's living expenses, usually to the parent who has the child most of the time.
- AlimonyMoney a court may order one spouse to pay the other during or after a divorce.
- Time-sharing scheduleIn Florida, the timetable in a parenting plan that sets when the child spends time with each parent, including overnights and holidays.
- Relocation (Florida)In Florida, a parent's move of their main residence at least 50 miles away for at least 60 days in a row, measured from where they lived when time-sharing was last set or a case was filed.
- Child support guidelinesThe formula each state sets for calculating child support.
Read next on MediationList
Sources
The official documents this definition is based on, with the date we last read each one. Definitions are in our own words.
General information, not legal advice. MediationList is not a law firm. Spotted an error? Tell us.
Cite this page
MediationList. (2026, October 28). Modification: Definition. https://mediationlist.com/glossary/modification/
APA 7th ed. A retrieval date is included only for pages whose content changes, such as maps, data and tools.