Florida Child Support Guidelines
Child support is an important issue in a divorce or paternity case. The amount of support that is determined will be used to care for your children. Our Jacksonville child support attorney can ensure that child support is determined in a fair manner. Our attorney pays careful attention to financial details and uses an approach aimed at achieving fair outcomes.
The law office of Beth M. Terry, P.A., delivers aggressive legal services our clients need. Whether you are a mother or father seeking assistance with a child support issue, we can help.
The Child Support Determination
Our lawyer works with clients throughout Jacksonville and northeast Florida in child support cases. We handle initial determinations and post-decree issues of modification and enforcement.
Both parents have an obligation to support their child. The exact child support figure is determined by applying statutory Florida child support guidelines to the facts of each specific situation. The statutory formula takes several factors into account, including:
- Income of both parties
- Cost of health insurance for both parties and children
- Cost of daycare for the children
In addition, if the parent with visitation rights spends 20 percent or more overnight time with the child, his or her child support obligation will be reduced. The court rarely deviates from the formula. However, Attorney Terry will ensure that the court fully considers all the applicable factors in your case to produce a fair and accurate determination.
Child Support Modification and Enforcement
In addition to helping clients during the determination of the initial child support amount, we also work with clients in matters of post-decree modifications and enforcement of existing orders.
In Florida, the court issues the child support order, and the Department of Revenue, in many cases, enforces the order, including pursuing arrearages from the parent with the support obligation. If you are owed past due child support (arrearages), we may be able to handle your case for enforcement of child support on a contingency basis. If you owe child support or past due support (arrearages), then the enforcement amount may be challenged on grounds, including inaccurate calculation, determinations based on wrong information or double dipping, we will work closely with the client to correct the situation legally. If there is an error with the amount calculated, do not try to take the matter into your own hands. Time is of the essence: Comply with the order and contact our office, as soon as possible, after you receive the notice of withholding or suspension of license. Failure to comply with a support order, even if wrongly calculated, can result in increased penalties.
Attorney Beth M. Terry brings assertive, zealous representation to your child support matter. To schedule your confidential consultation at our Jacksonville, Florida, law firm, call us locally at 904-638-8961 or toll free at 866-726-4608. You may also contact us online.
