Answers To Some Of The Most Common Child Support Questions

Parents who separate are often required to grapple with a host of complicated issues, including how they will share custody and who will be financially responsible for the child going forward. Contending with these kinds of complex issues isn’t easy and many parents have a lot of questions about what they could be facing. To help, we’ve included answers to a few of the most common child support-related questions that we encounter. We realize that these are by no means the only questions that parents have, so if you are involved in your own child support dispute, don’t hesitate to reach out to our experienced Fort Lauderdale child support attorneys for help.

What Does Child Support Cover?

Child support payments cover the normal expenses that are required to raise a child. This includes coverage of basic provisions, like food, clothing, shelter, and medical care, as well as the cost of recreational activities. The amount that a person must pay is based on a specific formula that takes into account the parents’ incomes and expenses, as well as their time sharing arrangement.

Who Pays Child Support?

In Florida, parents with the majority of time sharing are generally entitled to financial assistance. Payments amounts are based on a variety of factors, while the payments themselves are usually collected via direct deposit, bank transfer, state-issued debit card, or wage garnishment.

Can My Monthly Child Support Payments be Changed?

The short answer to this question is yes. It’s important to note, however, that changing a child support obligation must come through the court system and requires the petitioning parent to prove that a substantial change in circumstances has occurred since the original order was issued. These changes must generally not be the fault of the petitioner and must somehow affect his or her income. Typical examples include job loss, a reduction in work hours, pay cuts, serious illness, or disability. The same rule applies if one parent’s circumstances improve, as the child’s other parent could ask the court to increase support payments. A parent could also end up with a lower payment if a child starts spending more than 20 percent of his or her overnight visits with that parent.

Can Child Support Payments be Taken Out of My Paycheck?

It is possible for the state to take child support payments directly from a parent’s paycheck through the process of wage garnishment. This will, however, require an Income Deduction Order from Florida’s Child Support Program, who in turn will ask employers to take support payments directly out of a person’s paycheck.

When Will My Child Support Obligation End?

Child support payments almost always terminate when a child reaches the age of 18 years old or when he or she graduates from high school. If, however, a child is disabled, payments could be extended by the court. Alternatively, child support payments could be terminated when a parent passes away or officially gives up his or her parental rights.

Set Up a Free Consultation

To speak with an experienced Florida child support lawyer about your own questions or concerns, please call Sandra Bonfiglio, P.A. at 954-945-7591 today.