Fort Walton Beach Child Support Lawyer
Trusted Legal Advocacy for Your Case
Turn to our team at The Virga Law Firm, P.A. for qualified assistance with your child support needs. We have more than 100 years of combined experience in family law and we are extremely familiar with how child support and custody is determined in court. While every case is different, Florida courts utilize certain guidelines during litigation.
When you work with a child support attorney who understands Okaloosa County procedures and the expectations of judges at the Okaloosa County Courthouse in Fort Walton Beach, you can better anticipate how the guidelines may be applied in your situation. We take time to review your income information, your parenting schedule, and any special needs your child may have so that we can give you a realistic picture of what to expect and help you prepare for each stage of your case.
Contact our Fort Walton child support attorney today to schedule a consultation.
Providing You with Personal Attention in Fort Walton Beach
At our firm, we truly care about helping you achieve a positive outcome for your case. You are not just another family to us; you are an individual, and we realize your child's future may be on the line. Whether you are seeking primary custody and want to ensure you receive enough child support, or you have been ordered to pay more child support than seems fair, our Fort Walton Beach child support attorneys are here to assist you.
Calculating Child Support Payments
Although every case is different, the noncustodial parent is typically ordered to make payments to cover the child's needs. There are guidelines in place to ensure all of the necessary costs are covered and the custodial parent is not put in a tough position.
Child support is calculated by several key factors:
- The income of each parent is reviewed to determine the combined resources available to support the child or children.
- The earning capacity of each parent may be considered if one parent is unemployed or underemployed compared to their skills and work history.
- The needs of the child or children include basic living expenses as well as reasonable educational, medical, and activity costs.
- Child care costs are taken into account if a parent must pay for daycare or after-school care in order to work or attend school.
- Health insurance costs for the child factor in premiums and certain out-of-pocket medical expenses allocated between the parents.
- The amount of time each parent spends with the child can influence the calculation when there is a substantial sharing of overnights.
Modifying and Enforcing Child Support Orders
Life circumstances can change after a child support order is entered, and parents often wonder when they can return to court to request a modification. A significant change in income, a shift in the time-sharing schedule, or new expenses for a child’s medical or educational needs may all be reasons to revisit the existing order under Florida law. We help you evaluate whether your situation is likely to meet the legal standard for a modification and what evidence you will need to present to the judge in Okaloosa County or surrounding courts.
To schedule your consultation with one of our knowledgeable attorneys, please contact us at 800-822-5170.
Our Core Values
-
The Client Comes First and All Else Will FollowWe take pride in delivering best-in-class client service and experience, understanding the privilege and responsibility we have when assisting clients and their families through legal matters. It is our highest obligation.
-
Authenticity and TransparencyWe believe in being transparent about who we are, with ourselves, each other, and our clients and partners. This authenticity builds trust and fosters strong relationships.
-
Relentless Pursuit of the WinWe achieve stellar results by focusing on personal and professional performance and goals. Our relentless pursuit ensures we deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients.
-
Growth MindsetWe continuously learn, grow, and improve as individuals, as a law firm, and as advocates for our clients. We set and exceed both personal and professional goals to ensure ongoing development.
-
OwnershipWe take responsibility for our work and actions, ensuring accountability in all that we do. Our commitment to ownership drives excellence and fosters a culture of trust and reliability.
-
Results DrivenWe focus on outcomes and disregard the level of effort required. We have the vision and the discipline to do the work and face challenges to make our vision a reality for our clients.
-
Respect and Celebration for One AnotherWe support each other with kindness and respect, emphasizing a positive work culture and celebrating along the way. We respect our clients and support them through their challenges.
-
Unquestionable IntegrityWe stand up for what’s right with consistently sound ethics and courageous honesty. Our integrity is the foundation of our practice and guides our actions and decisions.
-
We are in it TogetherWe are client and team-focused, committed to the firm’s vision, and act for the greater good. We carry our weight, bring others along, and act with civility, candor, and respect in all interactions.
-
ReputationReputation is everything. We strive to have the best personal and professional reputations. We want our reputation to precede us and for opposing counsel to know we are committed to fighting for our clients.
-
Community StewardshipWe embody the concept of giving back to the community. The Virga Law Firm is committed to supporting and improving the community through responsible and caring actions, setting an example of character.
Meet Your Attorneys
Compassionate Counsel, Relentless Representation.
-
Gerard Virga Founding Attorney -
David Lohr Executive Director/Attorney
-
Chad Self Fort Walton Beach Managing Attorney
-
Taylor Tippel Panama City Beach Managing Attorney
-
Christopher Melendez Attorney
-
Tamar Solarin Attorney
-
Amy Mizels Attorney
-
Lisa Lazan Attorney
-
Danny Durnbaugh Chief Financial Officer
-
Connie Brake Senior Paralegal
.png)
