Child Support

We can help you understand you child support rights and obligations under Florida law. Whether you owe or are owed child support, our attorneys have the experience to represent you in this important matter.

Basics of Child Support

In Florida, child support is usually based on child support guidelines that take in account the combined income of the parents and how many children the parent is responsible for supporting. If some instances, when warranted by special circumstances, the parties or the court may choose to deviate above or below the child support guidelines. Once entered, a Florida child support order can be modified if there has been a change in circumstances. Examples of this would include:

• A significant increase or decrease in either parent's income
• A child spending a lot more time with either parent
• A child having special medical or education needs

Enforcement of Child Support Orders

When child support is owed but not paid, there are a variety of legal measures available to collect past due amounts and prevent future non-payments. If you are owed child support, we can help you collect and prevent future defaults. If you owe child support and are unable to meet you obligation, contact our office to discuss your legal options.

Modifying Child Support Awards

If you have an existing child support order that needs to be changed, contact our office to discuss your legal options. Usually, either parent may ask the court to recalculate the amount of support if the parent can show a substantial change in circumstances. A significant change in circumstances warranting an increase in child support may be an increase in the paying parent’s income or a significant increase in the child’s expenses, often due to the child having special needs. A significant change in circumstances that may warrant a decrease in the paying parent’s child support obligation may be the loss of a job, a reduction in income or when the custodial parent's income increases.

The above is not legal advice. That can only come from a qualified attorney who is familiar with all the facts and circumstances of a particular, specific case and the relevant law. See Terms of Use.