Child support is based on calculations resulting from the Florida Child Support Guidelines. Child support is typically paid until the child becomes emancipated at the age of 18, but may be extended when a child graduates from high school after turning 18 or when there are special needs of the child. There are many factors that the Florida Child Support Guidelines consider and so it is important that a parent retain an attorney that is knowledgeable on each of the factors and how they apply to your particular situation. Of the number of factors that the Court will consider, some critical aspects include:
- The income of the parties;
- The earning potential of the parties;
- Health-related costs of the children and parents;
- Child-care costs; and,
- The number of overnights that the child spends with each parent.
Some parents obtain child support orders entered through the Child Support Enforcement Division who do not typically consider the number of overnights that the child spends with each parent or who suspend certain driving privileges or business/professional licenses due to unpaid child support. It is imperative to attain competent representation to assist you in these situations.
Some individuals have also had child support obligations ordered against them when the child is not biologically related to the parent. In the event that you become legally obligated to pay child support toward a child that is not biologically related to you, time is of the essence to retain an attorney skilled in paternity disestablishment such as those at Marilyn Colon, P.A.