How Do I Pay Child Support in Florida?
While Florida is known to be a “no-fault” divorce state, which makes filing for divorce so much easier, there are still some issues that consequently arise which must be addressed with care. One such issue is the matter of children and how they are going to be impacted by the divorce.
That is why it is advisable to speak with a Bradenton family law attorney like Matthew Z. Martell who can help you navigate through the process of setting up a viable divorce settlement arrangement that will be in the best interests of the child. For example, Bradenton divorce lawyer Matthew Z. Martell can work out a plan that covers terms of custody, visitation, and child support.
What is Child Support?
Essentially, child support is the financial support provided to a parent for the care and daily expenses of the couple’s minor child or children. It should be able to cover the basic necessities required in raising a child, such as food, clothing, shelter, education, access to medical care, health and dental insurance, and daycare.
This type of support is determined by the court by a statutory formula. Ideally, the child should not have to suffer from losing direct access to the parent who earns and provides more as a consequence of the divorce. Other factors such as the parents’ combined income, time-sharing arrangement, health insurance expenses, daycare expenses, and non-covered co-pays for health, dental, prescription, and vision expenses must also be considered when computing the amount that will be paid for child support. Family law attorneys in Bradenton FL such as Matthew Z. Martell can help ensure that everything is properly itemized to get as much accuracy as possible in the child support computation.
Child support is also an ongoing obligation until the minor child reaches the legal age of majority—which is generally 18 or 19. Children’s needs differ as they grow, and the costs of basic needs will also differ as they further age. As such, it is not uncommon for the amount of child support to be re-computed. The financial condition of the parent providing the child support may also change within that period of mandated obligation, for better or worse, therefore consequently affecting his or her capacity to fulfill this obligation as well.
How to Pay Child Support in Florida
Paying child support in Florida is pretty straightforward. It can be paid via check, money order, direct deposit, or wage garnishment automatically by an income deduction order.
Common Issues that May Occur with Child Support
Situations may change, which may consequently impact a parent’s ability to pay child support. Among the more common issues that come up would be a loss of a job, decrease in income, an increase or decrease in child support expenses, a change in the amount of time spent by the child with the parent paying child support, changes in child’s medical expenses, and an increase in the income of the one of the parents.
How A Bradenton Family Law Lawyer Can Help
A Bradenton family law lawyer such as Matthew Z. Martell can take care of helping parents set up a legally recognized and correct arrangement for child support. Enforcement must also be ensured for the child’s best interests, and Bradenton and Lakewood Ranch divorce lawyer Matthew Z. Martell is knowledgeable on the necessary legal procedures involved.
A Lakewood Ranch, FL divorce law firm, such as the Law Offices of Matthew Z. Martell, P.A. can help you file the necessary legal documents and create a strong case to justify the amount for child support you are seeking. Keep in mind that a Final Judgment will have to be rendered by the Court, and so this is something that must pass the Judge’s approval. A Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, and Venice, FL divorce lawyer like Matthew Z. Martell can help you get that approval for your child support.
