Common Myths About Child Support, And The Truth Behind Them

Child support is one of the most misunderstood issues in divorce. These misunderstandings have caused many myths about child support to abound. Child support laws vary from state to state, and they are quite complex. The laws are also always changing, and all of these factors only contribute to the number of myths surrounding child support. Below, our Orlando child support lawyer outlines some of the most common myths, and the truth behind them.

Only Fathers Pay Child Support

The fact that it was mainly fathers who paid child support may have been true at one point. Historically, it was the husband who went to work while the wife stayed home to take care of the household and raise the children. Today, that is clearly no longer the case. A court will take many factors into consideration when making child support decisions, but gender is not one of them. The court will consider factors such as the time-sharing schedule, and the income of each parent.

Parents Can Agree on a Child Support Amount

The courts will determine the amount of child support to be paid using a standard formula. Parents cannot even include terms such as child support in a premarital or postnuptial agreement, as it is intended for the child and so, the parents cannot make decisions regarding it.

Child Support Payments End when a Child Turns Eighteen

Again, it was once true in Florida that child support only had to be paid until a child turned 18 years old. Today, though, the law has changed. If a child is still 18 and has not yet graduated high school, the paying parent is expected to provide child support until the child turns 19 years old or graduates from high school, whichever comes first. Additionally, when a child has a disability or special needs, child support may never end.

Child Support Must Be Spent Exclusively on the Children

It is true that child support payments are intended to provide for a child’s basic needs. This does not mean, however, that support is only intended for things such as school expenses and clothing. Child support payments can be used for anything that directly or indirectly impacts a child. For example, the parent receiving support will have to purchase additional food when a child is staying with them and so, child support payments can be used to purchase groceries. The recipient also has no legal obligation to discuss how they spend their child support payments.

Our Child Support Lawyer in Orlando Can Answer Your Questions

If you are going through a divorce that involves children, you likely have a lot of questions. At Anderson & Ferrin P.A., our Orlando child support lawyer can answer all of them and advise you of the law. We can also negotiate aggressively on your behalf to ensure you receive the full amount of support you deserve, or to help you defend against unfair requests for it. Call us now at 407-412-7041 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to learn more.

Source:

flsenate.gov/laws/statutes/2012/61.30