Child Support Payments after Divorce
The payment of child support after divorce is very important to families for a variety of reasons, the most obvious being that the monies are used in furtherance of the child’s well being and to establish an appropriate quality of life for the child. Unfortunately, Florida ranks fairly poor among U.S. states, as it relates to social and economic conditions for children, making child support payments that much more important in our state. For example, in 2016, Florida was ranked 39th in the nation in the Best & Worst States for Underprivileged Children report. Child Support Guidelines in Florida Florida, like other states, has a set formula (or guidelines) for determining child support. Under Florida state law, the judge may vary this plus or minus five percent from the guideline amount after considering all relevant factors, including the needs of the child, age, standard of living, and the financial status and ability of each parent. If the amount varies more than five percent, there must be a written finding explaining why staying within the five percent guideline would be unjust or inappropriate. This can also be the case whenever the child spends a substantial amount of time with either parent, whether temporary or permanent. In order for a modification of an existing order to be granted, the court must find that there is a substantial change in circumstances, where the mandatory the difference between the existing monthly obligation and the amount provided for under the guidelines, has to be at least 15 percent or $50 (whichever amount is greater). Failing to Pay Child Support If your ex fails to comply with a court order requiring him or her to make child support payments, the best course of action is to work with an experienced family law attorney to file a Motion for Contempt/Enforcement to initiate a civil contempt and enforcement proceeding against them. The Florida Department of Revenue, Enforcement of Child Support Orders also has some leeway in intervening when child support payments aren’t made. The Department can not only send late payment notices, but facilitate income withholding with your ex’s employer so that child support is taken out and sent directly to the Department before your ex is paid. And there are other provisions, such as driver’s license suspension, that can be implemented. However, unfortunately, there is also a pattern of families experiencing delays in obtaining child support payments from the Department of Revenue itself. In some circumstances, you may need to seek legal recourse, particularly when the delays are forcing you or your family to go into poverty. Florida Divorce & Family Law Attorneys Serving Clients in Orlando, Sarasota, & Tampa At HD Law Partners, we understand how important child support payments are to you and your family. The Florida divorce/family law attorneys at HD Law Partners provide knowledgeable, compassionate, experienced, and dedicated legal representation in all family law matters, including those covering child support. Contact us today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you with any child support issue. Resources: news.wgcu.org/post/survey-florida-kids-welfare-gives-2017-mid-year-update wallethub.com/edu/best-worst-states-underprivileged-children/5403/ flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2013/61.30 Tags: Child Support Payments after Divorce, Florida Divorce and Family Attorney, Florida Divorce and Family Attorneys Posted in Child Support, Divorce, Family Law | No Comments » Connect with us Archives May 2026 April 2026 March 2026 February 2026 January 2026 December 2025 November 2025 October 2025 September 2025 July 2025 June 2025 January 2025 January 2024 December 2023 November 2023 October 2023 September 2023 August 2023 July 2023 June 2023 May 2023 April 2023 March 2023 February 2023 January 2023 December 2022 November 2022 October 2022 September 2022 August 2022 July 2022 May 2022 April 2022 March 2022 November 2021 October 2021 September 2021 August 2021 July 2021 May 2021 April 2021 March 2021 February 2021 January 2021 December 2020 November 2020 October 2020 August 2020 July 2020 June 2020 May 2020 April 2020 March 2020 February 2020 January 2020 December 2019 November 2019 October 2019 September 2019 August 2019 July 2019 June 2019 May 2019 April 2019 March 2019 February 2019 January 2019 December 2018 November 2018 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 May 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 November 13 Categories Alimony Appellate Arbitration Auto Accidents Auto Insurance Business Corporate Business Insurance Law Child Custody Child Support Criminal Law Divorce Family Law FEMA Insurance Payments Florida’s Mandatory 2‑Hour Legal Professionalism CLE: Foreclosure Defense Fort Myers Hurricane Insurance Attorney General Guardianship HD Law Partners Service HOA/Property Management Homeowners Association Homeowners Insurance Hurricane Claims Hurricane Insurance Insurance Bad Faith Insurance Claims Insurance Defense Insurance Litigation Landlord Tenant Law Enforcement Liability Loan Modifications Mold Water Damage Parental Rights Paternity Personal Injury Premises Liability Law Prenuptial Agreements Private Security Property Distribution Property Owner Law Sarasota Insurance Litigation Attorney Slip Fall Tampa Business and Corporate Attorneys tampa family attorney Tampa Insurance Attorneys Timeshare Timesharing Uncategorized HD Law Partners is proud to be your trusted full-service law firm Quick Links Property & Casualty Business & Corporate Litigation Family Law Contact Us Careers Get In Touch 2002 North Lois Avenue Suite 510 Tampa, FL 33607 813-253-5333 Contact Us