Child Support Attorney in Melbourne, FL

Attorney in Melbourne Assists Parents on Child Support Issues

No one ever said parenting was easy, and things can get downright tricky when it comes to child support. Luckily, help is available in the form of experienced family legal counsel in Melbourne, Florida.

If you’re a parent struggling to make ends meet because of child support payments, or if you’re a non-custodial parent having trouble getting the support you’re owed, the family law experts at Murphy & Downs Law Offices, P.A. can help. We understand the ins and outs of child support law and can help you navigate the often confusing and complicated process of dealing with the child support system.

Florida Support Order: What is Included?

Nothing is more important to a child than having both parents in their life, and that’s why it’s so important for both parents to financially support their children, even if they’re not together.

In Florida, both parents have to provide for their children financially, regardless of whether they are together. This usually means that each parent pays a percentage of their income towards the child’s care, based on factors like how many kids they have and how much each parent earns.

If you need assistance with child support, whether you’re the one paying or receiving it, our family law expert in Melbourne can help. We handle all sorts of child support cases, from divorce to enforcement.

You don’t have to go through this alone, and we can help you every step of the way.

How is Child Support Calculated in Florida?

In the state of Florida, child support is calculated using a specific formula that takes into account each parent’s income and the amount of time each parent spends with the child. Both parents must file a financial affidavit to provide the information needed for the state’s child support formula. This will show how much money they make, what they spend their money on, and their assets and liabilities.

A number of other factors affect the rate, such as:

The timesharing schedule (or parenting plan):

Every family is different, and so is every child support case. The amount of money that needs to be paid depends on how much time the child spends with each parent. The more time the child spends with one parent, the less money that parent will have to pay in support.

Premiums for health and dental insurance:

If you’re a parent, one of your responsibilities is likely to be providing health and dental insurance for your child. This is usually done by splitting the cost of the premiums equally between both parents. Any out-of-pocket medical or dental expenses will also be split evenly between the two parties, based on their respective incomes.

Child care costs:

Ongoing child care is a necessary expense when it comes to working or going to school. This includes care needed after school. Monthly child care costs are factored into the child support calculation.

In addition to child support, the following issues need to be considered:

● Expenses associated with extracurricular activities.
● Tax consequences of dependents on parents’ tax obligations and the child tax credit.
● Parents’ individual life insurance policies.
● Factors that are not taken into account in the general formula but are deemed necessary by the court.

There is a lot to consider when it comes to child support, and it can be confusing and overwhelming. Our firm has the experience and knowledge to help you through it.

How Long Is The Child Support Obligation?

When it comes to child support, the general rule is that both parents are obligated to financially support their children until they turn 18. However, there are a few exceptions to this rule.

If the child is still attending high school full-time when they turn 18, support can be ordered until they graduate, so long as it’s reasonably expected that they’ll graduate before turning 19. If the child has a physical or mental disability that began before they turned 18, child support can be ordered for an indefinite period of time.

Is it possible to change child support in Florida?

Having a child support order in place doesn’t mean that it’s set in stone. If there’s a substantial change in circumstances, the court may modify the child support order.

This usually happens when there’s a change in parenting time or one of the parties experiences a change in financial circumstances. Generally, the new circumstances must result in a change of at least 15 percent (being no less than fifty dollars) in the child support rate. So, if you’ve lost your job, your child is spending more time with you, or you’ve had some other change that affects the child support formula, it’s important to speak with an attorney to see if you may be eligible for a modification.

At Murphy & Downs Law Offices, P.A., we understand how important it is to get the child support that you’re entitled to or to make sure that you’re not paying more than you should. Our firm can help you to understand the child support process and make sure that your rights are protected.

Child Support Order: College Expenses

In Florida, child support generally ends when the child turns 18 or graduates from high school, whichever is later. However, some parents choose to provide financial support for their child’s college education.

We understand that this is a difficult decision to make, and we can help you to understand your options and make the best decision for your family.

What Is The Process For Paying Child Support

Payments for child support are typically made through the Florida Disbursement Unit. The non-custodial parent will make their payments to the Disbursement Unit, and the Disbursement Unit will then send the payments to the custodial parent.

The custodial parent has the option to have the payments directly deposited into their bank account, or they can receive a check in the mail.

Schedule a consultation with an experienced Florida family lawyer

When it comes to child support, there’s a lot to consider. If you’re facing a child support issue, it’s important to speak with an experienced Melbourne family lawyer who will help you to understand your rights and options.

At the Murphy & Downs Law Offices, P.A., we help clients with child support matters to get the outcome that benefits them. Call our firm at (321) 985-0025 or contact us online to schedule a consultation

Or reach out to us on our Murphy Downs Facebook page.

We look forward to speaking with you.

Over 47 years of legal experience

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