Tampa Child Support Lawyer
Studies show that raising a child from birth to age 18 will cost more than $310,000. Add college and other expenses and you’re looking at a lot more. That’s why when a couple divorces with children, they are both responsible for financially supporting their children. This typically means that one parent will be the custodial parent while the other will pay child support. Child support is often contentious. Not all parents pay it. In fact, some will go to great lengths to avoid paying it. This is irresponsible behavior that can lead to fines and even jail time.
At Faulkner Law Group, PLLC, we’ll help you understand the child support process as well as your legal rights and obligations. Our experienced Tampa child support lawyer will help resolve issues and ensure you are receiving adequate money for your child’s care.
What the Law Says
In Florida, child support is governed by Florida Statute §61.13. It states that child support is the obligation of both parents. Typically, the parent with the most time-sharing will receive child support from the other parent. If the time-sharing is relatively equal, the child support will be adjusted to reflect this. If neither parent has custody of the child, both parents may be required to pay support to the third party (such as a grandparent or other family member).
Child support in Florida will terminate upon the child reaching 18, or 19 if the child is still in high school. Child support will also end if the child dies or becomes emancipated. There is no legal obligation for a parent to support a child once they have reached 18 or graduated from high school, whichever occurs later. The only exception would be to care for a child who has a physical or mental disability. However, this disability must exist before the child is 18 years old.
Florida has a strong public policy to require parents to financially support their children. Child support cannot be waived, as it is the right of the child. Therefore, parents typically cannot agree to non-payment.
Child support is a basic monthly obligation that incorporates health care coverage and child care costs. The amount of child support is based on the combined net monthly incomes of both parents as well as the number of children involved.
The Florida child support guidelines determine how much child support a parent should pay. Basically, your income and the amount of timesharing you have with your child determines how much child support you will pay to the other parent, if any.
Contact Us Today
Raising a child takes a lot of money. That is why child support is the obligation of both parents. Whether you are paying or receiving child support, you need to ensure your legal rights and obligations are being protected. The Faulkner Law Group, PLLC can work with you and the other parent to resolve any issues. Fill out the online form or call (813) 544-3919 to schedule a consultation with a Tampa child support lawyer.
