Child Support

Child support is based upon calculations resulting from various factors used to calculate the Florida Child Support Guidelines. Child support is typically paid until child becomes emancipated at the age of 18, but may be extended until a child graduates from high school after turning 18 but prior to their 19th birthday or when a child has special needs which prevents him from becoming self-supporting.  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 with each of the factors and how they apply to their particular situation.  Of the numerous factors that the Court will consider, some critical aspects include:

• The income of the parties (reported or inputted)
• The individual cost of health insurance for the parents and/or children
• Child-care costs; and
• The number of overnights that the child spends with each parent.

Some parents obtain child support orders entered through the State Attorney’s Office – Child Support Enforcement Division who do not typically consider the number of overnights that the child spends with each parent. Driver’s license / business / professional license can be suspended due to unpaid child support. It is imperative to attain competent legal 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.