Jacksonville Child Support Attorneys
In Florida, both parents must financially support their child until they turn 18, get married, pass away, or become emancipated.
It doesn’t matter if you’re the mom or dad – you may have to pay child support depending on your custody setup and parenting plan. The state assumes each parent can provide a certain amount. If one parent has less time with the kid or makes more money, they might have to pay extra support to the state. The state then gives that money to the other parent to ensure the child is cared for.
Our Jacksonville child support lawyers can explain your situation and what you might owe. If you’re a dad trying to get rights to a child you didn’t have a relationship with before, figuring out child support is one of the first steps in getting custody rights.
Call Jacksonville Family Law today at (904) 337-4891 for a Free Consultation!
The Purpose of Child Support
The purpose of child support payments is to ensure that the child has:
- Adequate food
- Clothing
- Home
- Any other necessities a minor child may have
Child support covers the basic needs and expenses to raise a child in a safe, healthy environment.
This is often paid by the non-custodial parent or parent with more limited custody. In cases where one parent has primary physical custody, the other parent typically makes child support payments to contribute their share towards raising the child.
It’s important to note that child support is not a payment to the other parent. It is a payment that is intended to be used to provide the child with the basics that they require to have an acceptable level of care. This includes things like:
- Food
- Shelter
- Clothing
- Healthcare
- Educational expenses
The custodial parent is expected to use the child support funds to cover the day-to-day costs of meeting the child’s needs.
Child support amounts are usually determined by state guidelines that take into account factors such as:
- Each parent’s income
- The amount of time the child spends with each parent
- Any special needs the child may have
The goal is to ensure that the child’s standard of living is maintained as much as possible, even if the parents are no longer together.
It’s important to remember that child support belongs to the child, not the parent receiving the payments. The custodial parent is responsible for using those funds for the child’s benefit and well-being. Regular child support payments help create a stable environment for the child and alleviate financial hardships that could negatively impact their development.
Child Support Enforcement
Attention non-custodial parents: It is important to understand that verbal agreements with the other parent regarding child support payments do not absolve you of your legal obligations. Regardless of any informal understanding, you are required by law to make payments as scheduled. The only circumstance in which you can be released from this duty is if you obtain a formal court agreement.
It is not uncommon for non-custodial parents to contribute to additional expenses such as daycare, health insurance, or medical bills. While you may agree to pay for specific needs like orthodontic care or extracurricular activities, these arrangements do not fulfill your child support obligations under the law.
Without a court-sanctioned agreement, regular child support payments are imperative. Failure to do so can result in serious legal consequences, including wage garnishment, interception of tax refunds, and sometimes incarceration. Child support enforcement is a serious matter, and the courts enforce compliance strictly.
To ensure that you are fulfilling your legal responsibilities and to avoid potential legal issues, it is advisable to formalize any changes to your child support arrangement through the court. Doing so protects yourself and provides for your child’s well-being, as mandated by law. Heed this advice to safeguard your interests and uphold your obligations.
Let’s Talk- Free Child Support Consultation
At Grigaltchik & Galustov, we’re seasoned Family Lawyers who’ve got your back whether you’re seeking child support or you’ve been ordered to pay. We’ll make sure you get every penny you’re owed to care for your kid, or that you’re not paying more than Florida law requires based on your current income. We dive deep into every case so we can give you the best possible advice for your unique situation.
If you need help getting or reviewing child support, our Jacksonville child support attorneys are ready to jump in and fight for you.
Call Jacksonville Family Law today at (904) 337-4891 for a Free Consultation!
