Opinion
No. 3D14–774.
12-17-2014
Gracia P. GIMENO, Appellant/Cross–Appellee, v. Naltan RIVERA, Appellee/Cross–Appellant.
Langbein & Langbein and Evan J. Langbein, Miami, for appellant/cross-appellee. Cozen O'Connor and Anaysa Gallardo Stutzman, for appellee/cross-appellant.
Langbein & Langbein and Evan J. Langbein, Miami, for appellant/cross-appellee.
Cozen O'Connor and Anaysa Gallardo Stutzman, for appellee/cross-appellant.
Before SHEPHERD, C.J., and SUAREZ and ROTHENBERG, JJ.
Opinion
SHEPHERD, C.J.
This is an appeal by Gracia Gimeno from a downward modification of Naltan Rivera's child support obligation in a post-paternity modification proceeding, based upon the fact that Rivera has fathered three more children by another woman after having fathered a child with Gimeno. It is settled law that a party moving for a downward modification of child support has the burden of proving (1) a substantial change of circumstances, (2) not contemplated at the time of the final judgment of dissolution or, as in this case, an order determining paternity, (3) that is sufficient, material, involuntary, and permanent in nature. Overbey v. Overbey, 698 So.2d 811, 814 (Fla.1997) ; Burkley v. Burkley, 911 So.2d 262, 268 (Fla. 5th DCA 2005) ; Laliberte v. Laliberte, 698 So.2d 1291, 1293 (Fla. 5th DCA 1997). Begetting a child is not an involuntary act. Absent some special circumstance, the presence of subsequent children will not justify a deviation from child support guidelines. See § 61.12(b), Fla. Stat. (2013) ; State, Dep't of Revenue v. Feeney, 689 So.2d 350, 351–352 (Fla. 2d DCA 1997) ; Robinson v. Robinson, 657 So.2d 958, 960 (Fla. 1st DCA 1995).
Upward modifications of child support are treated differently. See § 61.12(b), Fla. Stat. (2013) ; Pohlmann v. Pohlmann, 703 So.2d 1121, 1124 (Fla. 5th DCA 1997).
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For the foregoing reason, we reverse the order of the trial court and remand this case for further proceedings consistent with this opinion.