Sarasota Child Support Lawyers

Child support matters in Sarasota often involve financial questions that carry considerable emotional weight. Florida law outlines how support is calculated, who pays, how long payments last, and when changes may be allowed.

Our Sarasota child support lawyers with Luhrsen Goldberg offer guidance through disputes, enforcement issues, and modifications. Our Sarasota family law attorneys bring years of combined legal experience to every case. Contact us to learn how our firm can help clarify the process and move things forward.

Florida uses a formula to calculate child support, but it is not always as straightforward as it sounds. The amount each parent earns, how often the kids are with them, and what kind of expenses are on the table all play a part, and even when the numbers are plugged in, real life does not always line up perfectly with the math.

It all starts with income. The court looks at both parents’ earnings, including wages, commissions, bonuses, other sources of income and even disability benefits, to determine how much support should be shared. Payroll taxes, other mandatory payroll deductions, child support paid for other children and court-ordered alimony are also accounted for. Also considered are health insurance for the kids, daycare expenses, and certain other expenses related to children.

Once that full picture is in view, the court divides the responsibility based on each parent’s share of income. If one parent earns more, they can be expected to contribute more. Every detail matters, and even small changes in income or expenses can shift the final number.

Support is not just about income. Parenting time also plays a big role. The court also accounts for how many nights the kids spend in each home, which also can change how much support is owed. If one parent has the kids most of the time, it usually means the other is contributing more financially.

Even in cases with a 50/50 schedule, each parent’s support obligation aren’t necessarily the same. If one parent makes more than the other, than that parent is likely going to have to pay some child support to the other parent. The goal is about making sure the children are taken care of, no matter where they sleep.

Beyond the basics, other child-related expenses can be accounted for. For example, after-school care, out-of-pocket medical costs, extracurricular activity expenses, summer camp, and similar needs can all planned for in terms of how the costs of such expenses are to be paid for. Typically, these expenses are apportioned based on each parent’s proportionate share of the total income.

Other costs that can be addressed include therapy, tutoring, or transportation for visits. These are not afterthoughts. They are part of the full picture, and the parties often want to address as many potential expenditures as possible so as to minimize later confusion and conflict.

There are times when the standard formula does not work. Maybe one child has special needs. Perhaps a parent just lost their job. Or maybe there is a situation that the numbers simply do not capture. In those cases, the court can choose to go above or below the usual guidelines.

That is where having a knowledgeable attorney really matters. Our Sarasota child support lawyers know how to tell the full story, both on paper and in court. When something about the case is out of the ordinary, we are ready to speak up and advocate for a support order that fits the family’s reality and accounts for the best interests of the children.

Support arrangements are meant to reflect real life, but life does not always stay the same. When something major shifts, like income, custody, or medical needs, Florida law allows parents to ask for a change. If or when support falls behind, the courts offer tools to help fix it. Everything is handled pursuant to Florida Statutes § 61.13, which covers both enforcement and modification of child support.

Support can be modified when there is a substantial and ongoing change in circumstances. Maybe a parent lost a job, has been contributing more parenting time, or has had unexpected medical bills. Those changes matter, and they might justify recalculating what is owed, but the change has to be more than temporary.

To get started, one parent petitions the court for a modification. Both parents must then submit financial information, timesharing updates, and anything else that shows how their lives have changed. The parties then can try to reach an appropriate agreement or mediate a settlement, which is then presented for court approval. If, however, an agreement can’t be rached, then a hearing will be set at which the judge will decid

When the support payments stop, Florida courts can step in. That might include consequences like wage garnishment, license suspension, or even contempt of court. These tools exist to get support flowing again, not to punish. And they can work quickly when used the right way.

Sometimes, enforcement also means correcting a misunderstanding. Maybe there is a disagreement about what was paid, or someone missed a deadline without meaning to. It helps to have clear records and a legal team that knows how to explain what really happened. Judges have flexibility under § 61.13 to craft solutions that keep kids supported while also giving parents a way to catch up.

In many cases, the Florida Department of Revenue handles collection and enforcement. They can intercept tax refunds, place holds on licenses, or start administrative actions if support is overdue. This process runs separately from the court and follows its own set of rules.

However, not every case is a good fit for administrative enforcement. If there is a dispute about how much is owed or whether someone is even responsible, the case may need to move to court. That is where the child support attorneys from Luhrsen Goldberg can step in. We help families understand what the department can do and when it makes more sense to bring things before a judge.

Some support cases involve more than just two parents and a payment schedule. Maybe one parent owns a business, and income is not easy to calculate. Or there may be children from multiple relationships, or parenting time is shared across state lines. Whatever the situation, there are still options.

The child support attorneys from Luhrsen Goldberg work with families to clarify what should be paid, what is fair, and what the law allows. We handle cases where things get complicated, and we do it to help families move forward, financially and emotionally.

Even when parents agree that support is important, the details can get messy. Small changes in income, parenting schedules, or expenses often turn into bigger disagreements. Some disputes end up in court, while others are worked out through negotiation or mediation.

Accurate financial disclosure is critical in any support case. One parent may believe the other is underreporting income or failing to share bonus payments, rental income, or self-employment profits. Disputes often arise when one side feels the other is hiding resources to reduce the support amount they are responsible for.

Florida’s child support guidelines rely on gross income, so incomplete or misleading financial records can throw off the entire calculation. Documentation like pay stubs, tax returns, and profit and loss statements are key. When those documents do not match what is being claimed, trust can break down fast. In some situations, use of a forensic accountant to track and account for numbers that don’t add up may be necessary. In some situations, income can be imputed to a parent where for example unemployment or underemployment is voluntary.

Parenting time directly affects support amounts under Florida law. Fewer overnights typically mean higher support obligations, which can turn into a source of conflict. Some parents dispute how the overnights are being tracked or argue that the schedule has changed since the original order. These disagreements can delay modifications or lead to allegations that someone is manipulating the calendar.

In these cases, courts will look at actual time spent with the child, not just what the custody order says on paper. Calendars, texts, and school records may all play a role. Judges want to see consistency and cooperation, not tit-for-tat arguments over a missed weekend.

Support orders are based on the facts available at the time they are entered. It is important to remember that life moves fast, and changes like job loss, remarriage, new children, or relocation can all impact support. When those changes are not reported, disputes often follow. One parent may feel blindsided by a sudden modification request or frustrated that payments continue despite obvious hardship.

Under Florida Statutes § 61.30(1)(b), parents are required to prove a substantial, ongoing change in circumstances before a modification can be granted. This could be a 15% difference in the calculated obligation or a change in parenting time that lasts more than a few months. When a court sees that a change should have been reported earlier, it may retroactively adjust payments or revisit prior rulings.

Not every support dispute belongs in a courtroom. Mediation and informal negotiations can often lead to better results with less tension and cost. Luhrsen Goldberg frequently helps families reach agreements that meet legal standards without dragging things through prolonged litigation.

When a court becomes necessary, the firm is prepared to step in and protect its clients’ rights. Luhrsen Goldberg takes the time to understand each family’s dynamics and works toward realistic outcomes that reduce stress and uncertainty. Whether through careful negotiation or skilled litigation, the goal is to bring clarity and fairness to a complicated situation.

Life does not stay the same forever, and child support orders are not always set in stone. A parent’s financial or personal circumstances can vary widely over time, and when that happens, it may be worth taking a closer look at whether an update is possible. Below are a few common examples that tend to come up in Sarasota child support cases:

– Increase in one parent’s income
– Loss of employment or substantial pay cut
– Parent relocation or change in physical custody
– Aging out of other children who share expenses
– Health issues that impact a parent’s ability to work
– A child’s changing needs due to medical, educational, or behavioral conditions
– Voluntary unemployment
– Change in alimony or spousal support
– Introduction of a new child from another relationship

Each of these situations comes with its own set of questions and potential solutions. When changes in spousal support also play a role, our Sarasota divorce lawyers can weigh in to make sure nothing gets overlooked. Under Florida Statutes § 61.14 and § 88.6011, courts consider both the size and nature of any change when deciding if child support enforcement and modifications are appropriate.

Families across Sarasota deal with child support issues that can quickly become complicated. Changes to a parent’s income, parenting alterations, and differing expectations often bring up questions that are hard to answer without legal support.

Every family dynamic is different. Luhrsen Goldberg focuses on practical, tailored support that fits each family’s needs. Whether the situation involves initial orders, enforcement actions, or changes in custody, personal attention can make a meaningful difference.

Florida child support laws rely on a set of statutory formulas, but those numbers do not always tell the whole story. Our child support lawyers in Sarasota, FL take the time to evaluate all the factors that could influence the outcome. This can include things like shared expenses, timesharing schedules, and each parent’s financial situation.

Working through child support issues often means balancing financial realities with long-term parenting goals. At Luhrsen Goldberg, our child support attorneys in Sarasota, FL bring thoughtful guidance and steady support to every case. Families can contact us to set up a consultation and talk through their options with someone who understands the nuances of Florida child support laws.