Enforcing Child Support Payments In Fort Lauderdale

Regardless of any current or past relationship between parents, the Florida Statutes require both parties to provide for their children financially. For divorced and single parents in Fort Lauderdale, child support plays an essential role in making sure children have what they need to thrive.

The Broward County Family Court considers various factors in determining a fair amount, but some parents still refuse to pay their fair share. If you are facing this frustrating problem with a former partner, our Fort Lauderdale child support attorney explains your options regarding enforcement efforts.

Child Support Payments In Fort Lauderdale: How The Court Strives To Determine What’s Fair

Most parents would gladly do without themselves to ensure their children have what they need, but it should never come to this. Under the Florida Statutes, each parent must provide their fair share in support.

Child support is addressed in Broward County divorce proceedings and in the aftermath of proving paternity. Factors that influence how much either party may be required to pay include:

• Each party’s income;
• If not working, an amount based on their prior experience and skills;
• Child custody or time-sharing arrangements;
• The cost to cover the child’s housing, food, and other basics, along with tutoring, health care, or other needs.

Enforcing Your Fort Lauderdale Child Support Order

Judges go to great lengths to ensure child support payments in Fort Lauderdale are reasonable. Unfortunately, some parents still balk at paying. A court order protects your rights and entitles you to enforcement actions through the Florida Department of Revenue (DOR), which include:

• Wage garnishment: Child support payments can be deducted directly from the paying parent’s paycheck.
• License suspensions: Parents who fall behind may have their driver’s or professional licenses suspended.
• Asset seizure: The court may allow the seizure of the non-paying parent’s assets, including money in financial accounts, state or federal tax refunds, and lottery winnings, to satisfy their debt.
• Seizure of government benefits: This includes workers’ compensation and any benefits collected through the Veterans Administration and Social Security.
• Property liens: Liens force parents not paying child support to catch up with any arrears before selling homes, cars, or other property.
• Contempt of court: If the other party refuses to pay child support, they can be held in contempt of court. This may result in heavy fines or even jail time until arrears are paid.

For Professional Legal Help, Contact Our Fort Lauderdale Child Support Attorney

Child support payments help ensure children from divorced or single parents have what they need to thrive. While Florida family courts have provisions to ensure the amount ordered is fair to all parties, some parents still refuse to pay.

If you are struggling to receive the child support your child is entitled to, get professional legal help. The Law Office of Sandra Bonfiglio protects your rights and takes the legal steps to get you and your children the total amount you are owed. Contact us today to request a consultation with our experienced Fort Lauderdale child support attorney.

Sources:

flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2018/61.30

browardclerk.org/Divisions/Family

floridarevenue.com/childsupport/Pages/default.aspx