Tampa Child Support Attorney
Florida public policy is that both parents are financially responsible for their children. The Florida legislature has codified this policy by setting child support guidelines. While you pay the obligation to the other parent, it is a child’s right to receive the support. Think of it as your child’s money — not money paid to the other parent.
However, child support is often complex and overwhelming for parents. This is where a Tampa child support lawyer comes in.
At Florida Law Advisers, P.A., we help many parents through the child support system. We can work to make sure that you receive what is reasonable and necessary, or that you never pay more than your fair share. If your income or circumstances change, we can also help you modify your child support order so your obligation doesn’t bankrupt you.
Contact us today to discuss your case with a Tampa child support attorney. Call or Text 1 (800) 990-7763 or Submit a Consultation Request Form Today.
How Is Child Support Determined and Calculated in Florida?
The Florida child support guidelines consider both parents’ incomes, the child’s healthcare, and childcare costs. It also considers the standard needs of the child, which depends on the child’s age and the parent’s net income. A court may also consider fees associated with extracurricular activities and sports and how much time the child spends at each parent’s home.
A court can raise or reduce child support from the guideline amounts. For example, a child with high medical expenses may warrant a larger support order than a healthy child. A judge cannot make these determinations without a written explanation.
The court will use wage records if a parent refuses to provide income information. Without records, the state will assign a median income amount or the federal minimum wage. However, each case is unique, so these approaches are not guaranteed.
A judge can consider parental agreement when assessing child support. There is no option to eliminate child support, as the court will consider that an undue hardship for the child. But it will consider the parent’s wishes as long as they meet the child’s needs.
You can find online child support calculators that estimate how much you will receive or pay. However, these calculators use the Florida child support formula, so they are for information purposes only. The court may determine a different amount based on your child’s circumstances. You could use the calculator as a good tool for budgeting before the support order is finalized, but do not assume that the result will be your final amount.
Tampa child support lawyer near me 1 (800) 990-7763
Get in Touch with Our Child Support Lawyers in Tampa, FL
Ensuring the well-being of your children is crucial, and navigating child support matters requires knowledgeable legal support. The dedicated divorce attorneys at Florida Law Advisers, P.A. in Tampa, FL, are committed to guiding you through the complexities of child support laws to secure a fair and just resolution. Whether you are seeking to establish, modify, or enforce a child support order, our team is here to advocate for your rights and the best interests of your children.
Reach out to us today for a confidential consultation, and take the first step towards securing the financial support your children deserve. With Florida Law Advisers, P.A., you have a trusted partner in your corner, ensuring that your child support matters are handled with the utmost care and professionalism.
To consult with an experienced Tampa child support attorney, call: 1 (800) 990-7763
Additional Evidence That May Be Considered in Child Support Calculations
Typical evidence in child support calculations includes pay stubs, tax returns, childcare invoices, medical bills, receipts, and proof of household expenses. But because every case is different, you may require additional evidence for your child support claim, including:
- Medical records and doctor reports
- Forms and statements showing the cost of a child’s sports, hobbies, or extracurricular activities
- Receipts for medication, tutoring, school uniforms, and other expenses
- Reports from school showing the need for additional tutoring or assistance tools
- Statements or reports showing future expenses (class trips, additional medical care, etc.)
Parents may also face extreme circumstances, like disability or unemployment. If that is the case, be prepared to present bank statements and benefits records showing what you’re being paid.
Self-employed parents must provide additional evidence. Be prepared to present tax returns (personal and business) and profit-and-loss statements, open invoices, and schedules of upcoming jobs or appointments. If you do not keep good records of your business income, prepare for the court to determine an income for you — and the amount determined may not represent your actual earnings.
Does Custody Affect Child Support?
Yes. The parent with whom the child stays most of the time receives child support. However, if child custody is 50-50 or nearly equal, that may reduce a child support obligation.
When Does Child Support End in Florida?
Child support ends when:
- The child turns 18
- If the child is still in high school at 18, child support will end when the child graduates or turns 19, whichever is sooner
- The child becomes emancipated
- The child dies
If you are paying child support for multiple children, your obligation continues as long as those children remain minors. For example, if one of your children is 18, but the other two are 13 and 10, you will still pay child support for the younger children. You will likely need to modify your support order, as your income, expenses, and children’s expenses will likely change, too.
Does Getting Married Affect Child Support?
No. Child support is your child’s right. Your or your former partner’s remarriage does not affect that. Florida law favors a public policy where both parents support their children. Even if the other parent remarries, the child remains entitled to receive support.
For a FREE Consultation, Call 1 (800) 990-7763.