Jacksonville Child Support Lawyer

If you are facing a divorce that involves children, you will probably need to work out the details of child support. You are encouraged to seek the help of a Jacksonville child support attorney who can help you obtain the child support you will require.

Our Jacksonville family law firm can protect your rights as the provider or receiver, particularly after a divorce.

Child support is typically given to the custodial parent with a smaller income. It is essential to ensure that the child can maintain a healthy lifestyle so that they do not have to be more disturbed by the divorce than necessary.

Call Charles E. Willmott, P.A. today at (904) 849-5183 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our child support attorney in Jacksonville!

What is Child Support?

Child support is a crucial component of family law, ensuring children receive the financial assistance they require for their welfare. In Florida, the non-custodial parent typically provides support to cover essential expenses like housing, food, education, healthcare, and clothing.

How Do I File for Child Support?

To file for child support, you must consider the following:

• The first step is to apply for child support.
• The amount of child support must be determined based on Florida Statute 61.30.
• The amount of child support to be paid depends on the number of children who need support and the parties' combined income.
• Child support is then divided between both parents.

How is Child Support Calculated in Florida? 

In Florida, child support calculations adhere to a predetermined formula outlined in state guidelines. Factors such as:

• Each parent's income
• The number of children requiring support
• Childcare expenses
• Healthcare costs
• Any special needs of the child
• The amount of time each parent spends with the child

These factors determine the appropriate amount of child support to be paid. An experienced attorney is essential to ensure accurate calculations and fair outcomes.

Can Child Support Be Modified in Florida?

Yes, Florida law states that child support can be modified under certain conditions:

• Income—If one or more parents receive a raise or new job that increases their income, no fixed amount justifies a modification; however, the amount of support change must be by at least 15% or $50.
• Parenting Time—If the original parenting plan is deviated from, the courts may recalculate payments owed according to the actual parenting plan currently being exercised.
• Expenses—Certain expenses associated with raising a child may require modification. These can include child care, support for the spouse, additional taxes, and health insurance for the child or parent.

If either party is not holding up his or her end of the deal, I can work with you to ensure that all child support payments are made. Additionally, our Jacksonville child support lawyers can ensure that all the necessary steps to enforcement are taken.

Can Parents Agree to No Child Support?

When parents live in separate residences, child support is generally required to ensure that each party adequately provides for their child. In some cases, however, parents may legally avoid child support by reaching a formal agreement that the payments are not necessary.

A judge must approve any agreement to waive child support. The court retains the right to reject the parents’ proposal and order child support if it believes the child needs it or if the agreement was not entered into in good faith. Individuals who receive public assistance from the state cannot opt out of child support payments.

Enforcing Child Support Payments

Depending on the circumstances of your case, you can take legal action against your ex-spouse if they fail to uphold their end of the bargain. If, for example, they have simply decided that they don't want to pay child support anymore, you could bring this to the court's attention.

A judge could subsequently hold them in contempt until they decide to cooperate. If the other parent can no longer afford to pay, however, they can petition the court to modify the terms of your divorce agreement.

What Age Do You Stop Paying Child Support?

Child support obligations typically end when the child reaches the age of majority, which is 18 in Florida. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Child support may continue beyond the age of majority if the child is still in high school and expected to graduate before turning 19. Additionally, if the child has special needs, support may be extended beyond the age of majority.

Understanding Child Support in Jacksonville: Local Insights and Resources

Living in Jacksonville, you are likely familiar with our community's unique challenges and resources. When it comes to child support, navigating the local legal landscape can be daunting, but knowing where to turn for help can make all the difference.

Jacksonville residents can benefit from the resources provided by local government entities such as the Duval County Child Support Enforcement Office. This office offers assistance in establishing, modifying, and enforcing child support orders, ensuring that children receive the financial support they need.

One common pain point for parents in Jacksonville is the cost of living, which can vary significantly across different neighborhoods. Whether you reside in Riverside, San Marco, or the Southside, understanding how local economic factors impact child support calculations is crucial. Our team at Charles E. Willmott, P.A. is well-versed in these local nuances and can help you navigate the complexities of child support in our city.

Additionally, Jacksonville's diverse population means that family dynamics can vary widely. Whether you are dealing with a high-income disparity between parents or unique childcare needs, our firm can address these challenges. We understand that every family is different, and we are committed to providing personalized legal support that reflects the realities of living in Jacksonville.

For those facing difficulties with child support enforcement, the Duval County Child Support Enforcement Office can be a valuable resource. They offer services to help ensure that child support payments are made consistently and on time, providing peace of mind for custodial parents.

At Charles E. Willmott, P.A., we pride ourselves on our deep understanding of Jacksonville's community and our clients' specific challenges. We are here to help you secure the child support you need to provide your children with a stable and nurturing environment.

Contact Our Jacksonville Child Support Attorney Today

At Charles E. Willmott, P.A., we understand the importance of securing fair and equitable resolutions for our clients and their families. Our dedicated team of legal professionals is committed to providing compassionate guidance and aggressive advocacy every step of the way.

When you choose Charles E. Willmott, P.A. as your legal representation, you can trust that your case will be handled with the utmost professionalism and attention to detail.

Contact Charles E. Willmott, P.A. today to easily schedule a meeting with our child support lawyer in Jacksonville!