Winter Park Child Support Lawyer
Child support decisions are governed by the Florida statutes. Still, it becomes a contentious and complex issue during divorce. The courts will take a number of different factors into consideration when determining child support. It is important to know what these factors are and how they will apply to your case. Our Winter Park child support lawyer can help you achieve the best possible outcome.
How to Establish Child Support Payments in Winter Park
The two parties involved in a child support matter can reach an agreement on their own about who will pay, and the amount to be paid. If there is a dispute or another issue arises, such as a spouse who hides income, the matter may have to go to court. A lawyer can negotiate with the other side, or represent you in court, if necessary.
In most cases, child support is paid until at least the child’s 18th birthday. The child support court order will include an end date for each child when there are multiple children. Judges also have the discretion to extend the time child support is paid. This is sometimes necessary when a child has mental or physical disabilities, and when a child is still in high school beyond their 18th birthday.
Child Support Guidelines
There are specific guidelines used when determining the financial obligations of each parent to the child. These include:
- The income of each parent
- The cost of childcare
- Time-sharing
- Health insurance
A parent’s income is the driving factor when calculating child support. The amount a parent will have to pay in child support will depend on their income, earning potential, and their ability to pay. It is essential to collect as much information as possible regarding the income of both you and your spouse before asking for child support, or preparing to defend against requests for it. The information you should collect includes:
- Salary, wages, and overtime pay
- Tips and commissions
- Bonuses
- Workers’ compensation, disability, and Social Security benefits
- Alimony from a previous marriage
- Investment income and retirement savings
- Business income, including estates and trusts
Child Support and Time-Sharing
Many people assume that when one parent is awarded the majority of time-sharing, they will also automatically receive child support. This is not always the case. Time-sharing is taken into consideration when decisions regarding child support are made. However, if the other parent spends over 20 percent of overnights with the child, that could also affect the amount of child support, or if it is awarded at all.
Call Now to Speak with Our Child Support Lawyer in Winter Park
At Anderson & Ferrin, our Winter Park child support lawyer has the necessary experience with support issues to help you through any dispute. Our skilled attorneys can help you receive child support, and defend against unfair requests for it. If you have an issue post-divorce, such as enforcement or modification, we can also provide the legal advice you need. Call us now at 407-412-7041 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation.
