Coconut Creek Child Support Attorney

Every child deserves to be cared for and financially supported by both parents. Regardless of your income, you may be entitled to child support payments from the other parent.

At The Law Offices of Jonny Kousa, P.L., our knowledgeable child support attorney in Broward County is here

• To explain your rights and responsibilities
• To help you explore your options
• And to help you obtain a fair child support order

Whether you're concerned about your right to receive or your obligation to pay child support, our child support lawyer near me in Broward County can help. Our team provides personalized guidance that considers your unique situation and strives to ensure that your child's needs are met effectively. This dedication to serving families with both legal proficiency and compassion sets us apart as we aim to ease our clients' burdens during these challenging times.

Call The Law Offices of Jonny Kousa, P.L. today at (954) 626-8071 or contact us online to speak with our Coconut Creek child support attorneys. 

How Is Child Support Calculated in Florida?

Child support is calculated pursuant to the Florida child support guidelines.

These guidelines take into consideration the following factors:

• The income/earning capacity of each parent
• The existing or proposed custody agreement
• The number of minor children involved
• The cost of daycare and insurance each parent pays for the children

The non-custodial parent will also need to pay child support. The state of Florida uses the Income Shares Model to calculate the amount of money that each parent must pay for child support.

The courts estimate the amount of money they would spend on the child if the family were intact and living as a household. This amount is divided between the former spouses based on their individual incomes. By understanding these guidelines, you can gain insight into the expected financial obligations and make informed decisions about your family's well-being. Seeking legal advice can further clarify these points and help align your financial responsibilities with your capacity to maintain an equitable arrangement.

When Does Child Support End in Florida?

Under normal circumstances, payments would stop when the child turns 18 years old. However, there are exceptions to this:

• Support can continue past the age of 18, up to 19, if they are still in high school
• Support may be continued indefinitely if the child is special needs
• Providing support for college is the payor's decision, not the courts. Florida does not require payments for college tuition.

Understanding when child support obligations conclude is essential for planning future financial commitments. The state makes provisions to ensure that the needs of the child are met in various circumstances, but knowing these specifics can prevent surprises and prepare both parties for upcoming transitions. It's advisable to seek legal counsel to understand how these factors specifically relate to your situation and to ensure preparedness for any legal responsibilities.

Can You Modify Child Support in Florida?

Unfortunately, many parents in Florida are not aware of the circumstances that may warrant a modification in the monthly child support amount they pay or receive. The court will generally modify a child support award if it finds that there has been “a substantial change in circumstances.”

This substantial change has to be material, unforeseen, and continuing in nature; meaning that it has to change the child support amount by at least 15% or $50.00, it was not recognized during the earlier court proceedings, and it affects long term net income.

Significant changes in the amount of money you earn and/or the amount of time you spend with your children generally meet the substantial change in circumstances standard. If you earn more money and/or spend less time with your children, your child support payment may increase.

On the flip side, if you earn less money and/or spend more time with your children, your child support payment may decrease. Parents should be proactive in reviewing modifications as these adjustments can significantly impact their financial situation. Detailed legal guidance will assist in ensuring any changes are accurately represented in court, making sure your rights and responsibilities are preserved throughout the child support modification process.

50/50 Custody & Child Support in Florida

Yes, just because there is a 50/50 custody ruling does not mean the support obligation is eliminated. Unless both parties waive the support, it will still be owed. “An order for equal time-sharing for a minor child does not preclude the court from entering an order for child support of the child.” § 61.13, Fla. Stat.

The rationale behind continuing child support in equal custody arrangements is to balance discrepancies in parental incomes, ensuring both homes can provide equally for the child. It ensures consistency in lifestyle and quality of care irrespective of time spent with each parent. Understanding this can help set expectations and prepare parents for how joint custody impacts their financial responsibilities.

What Can Child Support Be Used For?

Child support payments must be used to support the welfare, education, safety, and material well-being of the child. Florida courts take a very strict line on this and act strongly against any parent who uses such money to finance their lifestyle at the expense of their child.

Child support payments will go to the custodial parent in order to allow them to financially support the child. Aside from bills and expenses related to health care, schooling, and transportation, your ex must have the flexibility to assess the immediate needs of your child and spend the money that you provide on them. Ensuring these payments are used correctly is crucial for fostering an enriching environment, and custodial parents should be acutely aware of their responsibilities to maintain transparency in the allocation of these resources.

What Happens If My Spouse Stops Paying for Child Support?

The state of Florida takes child support enforcement very seriously. If your ex stops paying child support, you should speak to your family law attorney. They will, in turn, inform the court and initiate an investigation into the delinquency. You can rest assured that your ex will not get away with such negligence. Florida judges have the right to garnish wages and to put liens on homes to enforce child support orders.

Your ex cannot get out of paying child support by quitting their job or refusing to look for another one if they have been laid off. If the court finds out that either parent is engaging in such behavior, they will impute the income.

This means the court will hold the parent responsible for paying child support regardless of the fact that they are without work. The longer the non-earning parent refuses to work the larger the bill for child support they could potentially receive. It's important for both parents to engage in open communication and promptly seek legal guidance to resolve payment issues before they escalate, potentially impacting the child's quality of life and leading to significant legal consequences.

Seek Legal Assistance from a Child Support Attorney in Broward County

At The Law Offices of Jonny Kousa, P.L., our child support attorney in Broward County will work closely with you to resolve any issues you have. We can help answer any questions you may have about child support, how to file for child support, obtain a fair child support order, or modify or enforce your child support order. Our personalized approach ensures we consider all angles of your case, providing clarity and a tailored strategy that aligns with your family’s needs.

Need Assistance with Child Support? Contact Us Today(954) 626-8071 or reach out online for legal support from our Coconut Creek child support lawyers.