Comprehensive Child Support Guidance in Florida

Securing Child Support in Florida: A Parent's Guide

In the state of Florida, child support is the child’s right to the ongoing financial support from his or her parents. Whether you are going through a divorce, seeking a paternity action, or pursuing the modification of a judgement, your obligation to your child goes beyond the provision of basic needs. Parents are responsible for healthcare, childcare, and educational expenses.

How Is Child Support Calculated in Florida?

Florida’s child support responsibilities correspond to the financial situation of both parties and the time sharing each parent conducts with the child. Naturally, parents often disagree on the specifics of support obligations leading to litigation.

The Florida child support statute sets forth the method for child support calculations. By working with our experienced Florida child support attorneys, we work hard to obtain the most accurate information needed to help you reach a fair and accurate outcome.

Our child support lawyers in Florida will calculate the number of minor children, both parents net income, and the allocation of time each party spends with the children. These are considered with the overall expense costs of medical care, supervision, and schooling to determine an equitable calculation of child support.

Parents with higher net incomes typically have higher support obligations. The amount of overnight time spent with the child greatly affects child support calculations, as well. With your litigation objectives in mind, we will calculate your support obligations according to Florida child support statute, keeping your goals as our central focus.

Let out Florida child support lawyers defend your rights throughout the support or child custody process. With our experience, we can develop a strategy to pursue your child support goals and protect your child’s best interest.

Understanding Child Support Guideline Deviations in FL

Our Florida child support attorneys can represent you when seeking support beyond or below guideline recommendations. In order to deviate from normal guidelines in Florida, a party must submit a motion alleging one of the accepted reasons for child support deviation. Sometimes, guideline adherence places an undue financial burden on a parent.

Allow our child support attorneys in Florida to scrutinize the details of your case to determine your eligibility for child support guideline deviation. For questions concerning child support guidelines and deviation, call our law firm to schedule a consultation with one of our Florida child support lawyers today.

What Is the Minimum Child Support Amount in Florida?

Child support is determined in Florida using the Child Support Guidelines outlined in 2018 Florida Statutes §61.30, "Child support guidelines; retroactive child support."

Based on Florida's child support guidelines, a household with a combined monthly income of $800 and one child to support will require a child support payment of $190 a month. However, higher income and/or more children will result in higher child support payments.

Upholding Child Support Orders in Florida

When a party fails to meet their child support obligations, it can be a stressful financial event. We understand speedy action is paramount to relieving this financial stress and avoid undue burdens. Our child support lawyers will evaluate the pertinent information quickly and pursue your claim without unnecessary delay.

Florida courts consider support obligations a child’s right, and so do we. Sometimes, this means seeking contempt and incarceration when necessary. Our expedient well-seasoned team of legal professionals stands ready to defend the economic rights of you and your child.

What If the Parent Receiving Child Support Is Not Using It for the Child’s Needs?

When a parent receives child support payments, these funds are intended to cover essential expenses for the child's well-being, including housing, food, clothing, and education. However, there may be situations where the paying parent has concerns that the support funds are not being used as intended. As experienced child support attorneys, we understand the importance of ensuring that child support payments serve their intended purpose.

If there are concerns that the custodial parent is not using child support payments appropriately, it is crucial to address these issues promptly and legally. The first step is to gather any evidence that demonstrates misuse or misallocation of the funds. This could include records showing how the funds are spent or evidence that the child's basic needs are not being met.

Once evidence is collected, the paying parent can seek a legal remedy by filing a motion with the court to review or modify the child support order. The court will examine the evidence and assess whether the funds are being used as intended. If the court determines that the funds are not being used appropriately, it may order a modification of the support arrangement or even require the custodial parent to account for the expenditures.

It's important to note that while concerns about misuse are valid, any actions taken should be done through legal channels to avoid potential disputes or further complications. Our firm is equipped to help clients navigate this process, ensuring that the child's needs are met and that the support arrangement is fair and effective.

If you believe that child support funds are not being used correctly, we can assist in evaluating your case and determining the appropriate legal steps to take.

Modifying Child Support Orders in Florida

In order to successfully seek child support modification in Florida, a parent must show a significant change in circumstances. Florida courts will consider support modification under these instances: a notable increase or decrease in one or more party’s income, and a substantial increase or decrease in the costs of educational, childcare or healthcare expenses. Our child support attorneys are experienced and proficient at seeking child support order modifications.

Whether you need assistance with establishing, enforcing, or modifying child support orders, The Virga Law Firm is ready to defend you and your child’s rights. Let our team of seasoned litigators work towards your legal objectives.