Fort Lauderdale

Child Support Attorney

Getting The Help You Need Under Florida Child Support Guidelines

Child support payments are determined under the Florida Child Support Guidelines. Having an appropriate Fort Lauderdale child support attorney can help make sure you are not paying more than necessary and receive the proper deductions. Likewise, I can help make sure you receive the correct amount. Regardless of whether you feel you are being underpaid or overpaid, I can help you. There are many “child support calculators” out there. However, I can help weed out any deductions and can discuss your particular circumstance with you.

In some cases, paternity is unknown. If you have been served with a paternity action or if you are a mother seeking to establish paternity, as a Fort Lauderdale child support lawyer, I can help you as well and make sure the proper legal procedures are taken. I also assist custodial parents with enforcement actions.

Obtaining A Modification Of Child Support

I help clients with initial child support matters as well as modifications. If either parent’s financial situation changes, a child support modification may be needed. Factors considered in both initial child support and modifications include the income of each parent, age of the child, financial needs of the child, and more. Generally, there must be a substantial change in circumstances in order to seek a child support modification.

What Factors Determine The Total Child Support Amount In Fort Lauderdale?

There are various factors that can influence how much child support payments will be in Fort Lauderdale. In Florida, both parents have a responsibility to care for their children in the aftermath of a divorce or separation. Florida’s child support obligations will align with the financial situation of both parents as well as the custody arrangements involved.

Child support is determined by using a calculator that takes into account the income levels of both parents based on how many children are involved. Clearly, income matters the most in these situations, but there are various expenses that also factor into the final calculation, including taxes, daycare costs, health insurance, and more.

The court system in Florida is looking to determine the amount of money that the parents would have spent on their children had they remained together. This amount is divided between the two parents based on their respective incomes. You can view the actual Florida Child Support Guidelines by looking at Florida Statute 61.30.

Are Deviations From The Calculator Allowed?

The court does have some flexibility when determining the final child support amount. The law does allow the court to set the support amount at either 5% above or 5% below what the calculator determines if circumstances call for this adjustment. Additionally, if the court sees the need to make adjustments more than 5%, they must provide a written finding that explains why their guidelines are appropriate.

Some of the factors that allow for deviation can include:

• Extraordinary medical or educational expenses
• Seasonal income variations
• The age of the children
• Whether the child has independent income
• Expenses related to the child’s special needs
• Changes in the custody arrangements
• The total assets of all parties (parents and children)

Enforcement Of Child Support Orders In Fort Lauderdale

It is imperative that parents pay child support in Fort Lauderdale. Under FL law, when one party fails to meet their child support obligations, they could be held in contempt of a court order and face possible incarceration. Additionally, any person who fails to pay child support will accumulate debt until the current and retroactive amounts are paid. This debt does not go away, and it is not dischargeable under bankruptcy laws.

Get Information About Setting Up And Enforcing Child Support

For more information about my family law services, including questions about divorce, establishing and enforcing child support, email my law firm or call me toll-free at 954-533-2756.