Skip to Content
Top
Child Support Helping People Move Forward with Their Life

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.

Let our child support attorneys in Florida help you pursue your goals today.

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.

Contact The Virga Law Firm at (800) 822-5170 to schedule a consultation with one of our child support attorneys in Florida.

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.

Florida child support statutes allows for deviation under a number of possible occurrences:

  • Extraordinary educational or medical expenses (including psychological and dental).
  • Seasonal variations in one or both parents’ income.
  • Age of the child or children.
  • Expenses related to special needs.
  • The child or children have independent income.
  • The total assets of all parties (both parents and the child or children).
  • Any changes in the amount of time-sharing for 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.

While deviation from Florida’s child support guidelines isn’t available in all cases, it could apply to yours.

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.

Don’t hesitate. Contact our law office to schedule a consultation with our Florida child support lawyers today.

Our Core Values

  • The Client Comes First and All Else Will Follow
    We 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 Transparency
    We 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 Win
    We achieve stellar results by focusing on personal and professional performance and goals. Our relentless pursuit ensures we deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients.
  • Growth Mindset
    We 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.
  • Ownership
    We 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 Driven
    We 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 Another
    We 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 Integrity
    We 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 Together
    We 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.
  • Reputation
    Reputation 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 Stewardship
    We 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.

Take the Next Step

Request a Consultation with The Virga law Firm Today!
  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • Please enter your phone number.
    This isn't a valid phone number.
  • Please enter your email address.
    This isn't a valid email address.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter a message.
  • By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your request & other information using automated technology. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Acceptable Use Policy
  • "Eager to help and fight for clients."
    I will definitely be recommending to anyone I know that needs a child custody or divorce attorney!
    - A Divorce Client
  • "Fast and supportive service."
    The Virga Law Firm, P.A. was a blessing during my divorce. Always available for questions, they made the process fast and fair. No need to fight—they handled it all. I'd recommend them in a heartbeat.
    - Visi, A Divorce Client
  • "Gerard has been monumental to my case."
    Gerard has been monumental to my case. I recognized I needed an attorney who was committed to a positive outcome for my children and I. Gerard made himself available to answer all of my questions and concerns. I felt very comfortable working with the Virga Law Firm.
    - A Divorce Client
  • "He listened carefully."
    He answered in a way that helped me understand the law better.
    - A Divorce Client