"I've been ordered to pay an amount of child and/or spousal support that I can't afford. What are my options?"

If there has been an involuntary change of circumstances, you can file for a modification of child support and/or a modification or abatement (temporary suspension or permanent termination of alimony). It is important to file right away, as your obligation under the court order remains an obligation for which you can be held in contempt of court until the court grants a request for a modification. Once you file a petition, however, the court can grant a modification or abatement back to the date that you did so.

Lori Barkus is a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Law Mediator and Circuit Civil Mediator and is a member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals as well as a member of the Board of Directors for the Collaborative Family Lawyers of South Florida. Her office is located in Weston, FL. This divorce attorney can be reached at (954) 349-7988. View her Divorce Magazine profile.