The welfare of your children is one of the most important concerns in a divorce agreement. Establishing an equitable arrangement with your former spouse that provides adequate support for the kids without an undue hardship on either parent is essential. The state of Florida has a number of laws in place that govern child support agreements.
What You Need to Know About Child Support Laws in Florida
The state of Florida determines child support amounts using a formula that involves both parents’ income and the number of children. Allowances to pay for health insurance can also be included.
If needed, amount of child support can be adjusted. Judges have leeway to go over or under the formula by up to 5%.
Generally, the non-custodial parent will pay child support to the custodial parent. If the children spend a nearly equal amount of time with each parent, child support obligations can be adjusted to reflect that.
Florida law does not generally allow parents to waive child support.
Child support can be paid many different ways. Some parents choose to pay one another directly. Child support may also be paid through the State of Florida Depository if it is felt there is a need to keep more accurate records of payments.
In some cases, direct deductions from paychecks are set up to cover child support obligations.
Child support is, under Florida law, a separate issue from visitation. It cannot be withheld in retaliation for a failure to allow proper visitation. Also, it cannot be avoided by cutting off relations with the child.
There are a number of penalties in place to protect custodial parents when the non-custodial parent fails to pay child support. These can include;
- seizure of tax refunds
- loss of professional licenses
- suspension of their driver’s license
- fines
- imprisonment
Our Clearwater Child Support Attorneys have the experience and insight to navigate Florida Child Support laws and get the best outcomes for you and your family.
on Apr 17, 2012