Boca Raton: Child Support Attorneys

When parents separate or end their marriage, Florida divorce law recognizes that both parents should continue to have financial responsibility for any children that the couple had together.

If the couple is married, then a child support agreement will be part of the divorce decree. If the couple never married, it may still be possible for the custodial parent to get a court order requiring the other parent to pay a monthly amount of child support.

The law firm of Carman & Smith - with offices in Boca Raton and Port St. Lucie - has a well-established divorce and family law. Our child support lawyers are available to answer your questions regarding child support calculations, enforcement of child support orders, and modifying or ending child support orders. Our lawyers offer evening and weekend appointments if necessary for our clients' convenience.

To schedule an appointment with one of our law firm's experienced child support lawyers, call us toll-free at (800) 435-7407 or send us an e-mail.

How to Calculate Child Support in Florida

Like most states, Florida courts calculate child support based on the combined income of both parents and the amount of custodial time each parent will have. The Florida legislature has enacted child support guidelines, which the courts will deviate from only in unusual circumstances.

The child support order can require the non-custodial parent to pay a monthly amount for child support, or the court can order the parties to save a portion of the marital assets in a separate bank account or trust fund whose use is restricted to the care, upbringing and education of the parties' children.

Child Support Enforcement in Florida

Unfortunately, the reality of the deadbeat dad or the deadbeat mom is not uncommon. At the same time, Florida's child support arrearages laws make it relatively straightforward to handle child support enforcement if a parent is delinquent in payments. With the help of an experienced child support enforcement lawyer, the custodial parent can file an Order to Show Cause. If the parent who owes support does not have a legal reason for the delinquency, then the custodial parent will receive a judgment against the parent who owes child support. The judgment becomes a lien against any real estate owned by the parent who owes child support. Wage garnishments are also a possibility, and in some cases the Florida Department of Revenue will apply to suspend the delinquent parent's driver's license and car registration.

What if you are the parent who is behind in child support payments? Such individuals should contact a knowledgeable attorney - without legal assistance, the negative consequences of failing to pay child support can be severe.

Modification of Child Support Orders in Florida

Modification of child support orders can occur if the custodial arrangements or financial or circumstances of either party change significantly. For example, modification of child support may be possible if:

• The custodial parent's income increases or decreases dramatically
• The percentage of time that each parent spends with the child changes
• The non-custodial parent's income increases or decreases dramatically
• The child's financial needs change, perhaps due to a medical condition or school requirements

Schedule a Consultation - Contact Carman & Smith Today

If you live or work in Boca Raton or another South Florida community and have questions about child support calculations, enforcement or modification, we encourage you to contact our office to schedule a consultation with one of our knowledgeable child support lawyers. To make an appointment, call us at (800) 435-7407 or send us an e-mail.