Child Support Enforcements & Modifications

Divorce is an experience most people would prefer to avoid. Unfortunately, many people have to deal with divorce when they least expect it, and one of the most challenging aspects of the process for parents is ensuring they receive adequate support for their children. We encourage you to contact a Florida child support enforcement and modification lawyer from Luhrsen Goldberg to help you understand your options.

Calculating Child Support in Florida

The Florida legislature determines the amount of money required for child support, and several factors influence the final number. The income of both parents is taken into account, with the court looking at the percentage each parent makes up of the total combined income. For example, if the total combined income of both parents is $20,000 a month, but one parent makes 80% of the income, this can influence who pays child support and how much.

It is important to note that parents cannot negotiate child support. The judge has the final say on the appropriate amount based on the circumstances. The number of children eligible for child support, the household net monthly income, childcare costs, health insurance, and more inform the final child support amount required by the court. Speak with a Florida child support enforcement attorney for an accurate child support calculation.

Common Concerns Regarding Florida Child Support Agreements

Parents may have several concerns about child support. The most common concern is how child support money is being spent. Since the money is meant to contribute toward a child’s necessities and well-being, the parent paying child support can become skeptical of whether or not that is happening.

When there is concern about how child support money is being spent, it can be because the parent paying the money has gotten wind that the funds are going toward items not directly benefiting the child. For example, expensive restaurant meals, vacations, or designer clothing for the other parent will raise red flags for the one paying child support.

Indeed, the court will not oversee how every dollar is spent, but all hope is not lost. Child support enforcement attorneys can work closely with a concerned parent to notify the court of any mishandled child support funds. If any proof exists that the money has been spent on items not benefitting the child, the court will want to know this so steps can be taken to rectify the matter.

Florida State Guidelines Related to Child Support Agreements

The Florida Child Support Guidelines provide a formula for calculating child support. The parents’ net income, the number of children eligible for child support, and the age of the eligible children are taken into account. Childcare and health insurance costs are also considered.

Child support money is not taxable for the person receiving it and is not tax deductible for the parent paying it. It is also essential for parents to realize the consequences of not paying child support, which a child support enforcement lawyer can assist with.

Enforcing Child Support in Florida

The consequences can be severe when a parent fails to meet the requirement to pay child support. Governed by the Florida Department of Revenue, those who do not comply with a court order to pay child support can face time in jail, among other penalties. Failing to pay for child support for four months in a row or owing $2,500 in child support means they can be charged with a felony.

There are a host of additional sanctions for those who fail to pay child support. A few of these sanctions include the following:

If non-payment is due to a permanent and material change, child support modifications may be an option. The parent should look into child support enforcement lawyers who can explain to them how the child support modification process works and whether or not they are eligible based on the details of their situation.

What to Know About Child Support Modifications

A Florida child support enforcement and modification attorney can help those who need to modify child support payments for a legitimate reason. With the help of a child support enforcement and modification attorney in Florida, the parent must prove that a material change has occurred. Both parents must submit a family law financial affidavit. Income deductions and a complaint must also be filed as part of this process.

A child’s health and well-being are what the court care’s about most. The court’s primary concern is not proving that one parent is right and the other is wrong. It also does not matter if the divorce was contested or uncontested. Modifications to child support are allowed as long as certain criteria are met. The bottom line is that a court will be open to modifications as long as a child’s needs are being met. Work with a child support enforcement and modification lawyer in Florida, so you can ensure that these modifications are fair.

Contact Luhrsen Goldberg for a Florida Child Support Enforcement & Modification Lawyer

Individuals facing the challenges of divorce in Florida reach out to Luhrsen Goldberg for a Florida child support enforcement and modification lawyer. Our passionate team of attorneys always has our clients’ best interests at heart, and they are driven to seek justice on their behalf. We welcome the opportunity to provide you with Law Powered by Women® legal assistance. Contact us today to help you with your case.

Turn Luhrsen Goldberg for a Florida Child Support Enforcement & Modification Lawyer

Founded in 2016 by Julie S. Luhrsen, Esq. and Christina A. Goldberg, Esq., Luhrsen Goldberg is a woman-owned and led boutique law practice. We are committed to fighting hard for our clients and putting our life experiences, perspectives, and skills to work for you.

Those looking for a child support enforcement and modification lawyer in Florida turn to Luhrsen Goldberg because they know we have extensive experience in numerous areas of family law. When you seek a child support enforcement and modification attorney in Florida, our team of committed professionals welcomes the opportunity to provide you with Law Powered by Women® legal assistance.