How To Handle Child Support Disputes In Your Fort Lauderdale Divorce

Child support is a common source of conflict in Fort Lauderdale divorce cases. When parents disagree about the amount or terms, serious disputes can arise that drag out divorce proceedings and jeopardize your child’s financial security.

Our Fort Lauderdale divorce lawyer takes the legal actions needed to get you the total amount you and your children are owed. Learn more about child support in Florida and what to do when disputes arise.

How Is Child Support Determined in Fort Lauderdale?

In Fort Lauderdale divorce cases involving parents, child support is calculated based on guidelines under the Florida Statutes. This helps ensure children receive adequate financial support from both parties.

To determine the amount of support needed, Broward County Family Court judges typically rely on child support worksheets. Information records on these worksheets that influence child support calculations in Fort Lauderdale include:

• The total income of each of the parents: The court will look at their gross income, including wages, bonuses, commissions, and any other earnings, such as rental income or investments.
• Any child time-sharing arrangements in place: The more time the child spends in your home, the lower your child support obligation will likely be.
• The child’s expenses: This includes food, housing, clothing, and other daily costs.
• Any special needs the child has: The court considers whether the child has special health care needs, requires tutoring, private school, daycare, or other costs.

Once the court has all the necessary information, it will issue a child support order that outlines the amount, the frequency of payments, and other relevant details.

How to Handle Disputes Over Fort Lauderdale Child Support Payments

Child support disputes in Fort Lauderdale are unfortunately common. Here’s what you can do if you find yourself involved in this type of dispute:

• Consider mediation: During a divorce, the court often requires mediation to resolve child support disputes. This is generally a more cost-effective and amicable solution than fighting it out in court.
• Request a modification: If you already have a child support order and there is a significant change in circumstances, such as a job loss or a change in the child’s needs, you may be able to request modifications.
• Seek enforcement: If the other parent is not complying with the child support order, you may need to seek enforcement through the court, which may involve garnishing wages, asset seizure, and liens on their property.
• Document everything: Keep records of any payments made or missed, as well as any changes in circumstances. This documentation will be helpful if you need to seek enforcement or modification through the courts.

Schedule A Consultation Today With Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Child Support Lawyer

If you’re facing a child support dispute in Fort Lauderdale, Vanessa L. Prieto is here to help. Our office provides the trusted legal guidance and professional representation you need to protect your financial security and ensure your child’s needs are met. To schedule a consultation with our experienced Fort Lauderdale child support lawyer, call or contact our office online today.

Sources:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.30.html

flcourts.gov/Resources-Services/Office-of-Family-Courts/Family-Court-in-Florida/Family-Law-Forms/Additional-Supporting-Documents-12.902-Forms-B-J/Child-Support-Guidelines-Worksheet