Land O’Lakes Child Support Lawyer
Florida law provides that parents have both rights and responsibilities when it comes to children born into their relationship, so you can expect that child support will be an issue in a divorce or paternity case. However, despite the fact that Florida’s child support guidelines provide a comprehensive, meticulous description about calculating the amount, disputes are common. Even parents who have every intention to provide proper financial support for their children can find it challenging to understand the details.
Instead of putting your parental rights at risk, allow our team at The Law Office of Laurie R. Chane to address the legal obstacles involved with child support. We can help you understand the relevant laws and guidelines, and a Land O’Lakes child support lawyer will be at your side throughout the legal proceedings. Please contact our firm to schedule a consultation regarding the details, but an overview of child support laws in Florida may be useful.
Florida Child Support Guidelines and Deviations
The details of the statute are highly complex, but the assessment of child support obligations starts with the combined net income of both parents. The court will review earnings from all sources, including salary, bonuses, disability benefits, unemployment, business income, retirement, and many others. Additional factors are the number of children to be supported, time-sharing between co-parents, and health-related costs for the child.
The statute does state that the guidelines are presumptive, so courts are allowed to deviate from the amounts listed. The judge can vary support up to five percent higher or lower for any reason in his or her discretion. Judges are also allowed to apply a deviation in an amount more than five percent, but only for designated reasons.
Addressing Child Support
Because the statutory child guidelines are complex and you could be faced with a situation of deviation, retaining a Land O’Lakes child support lawyer is essential. Fortunately, Florida law allows parents to agree on the details, which you would typically include in a joint parenting plan to be submitted to the court. As long as it complies with the guidelines and/or supports a deviation, the judge will likely approve your agreement. If you cannot agree, the court will conduct a hearing.
The Law Office of Laurie R. Chane represents parents in all matters involving child support. We can assist with:
- Applying child support guidelines to your unique situation;
- Determining whether there are grounds for a deviation;
- Negotiating and preparing documentation regarding an agreement on child support;
- Presenting evidence and arguments at a hearing;
- Child support enforcement; and
- Modifications of child support.
Consult with a Land O’Lakes Child Support Lawyer About Details
To learn more about child support in Florida, please contact The Law Office of Laurie R. Chane today. Our firm serves all of Pasco County in divorce and family law matters, so you can set up a consultation with a child support attorney by calling 352-567-0055 or filling out a contact form. After we learn more about your circumstances, we can advise you on your options.
