Child Support Lawyer Jacksonville
Once a child is born, both parents are expected to be responsible for the support of that child. This includes after a divorce or a paternity action. In most cases, the parent the child lives with or spends the most amount of time with will receive child support from the other parent.
A specific formula is used in the state of Florida to determine the amount of child support paid. This formula includes many factors, such as the net income of both parents, the number of children, the cost of childcare, the special needs of the children, the cost of health insurance for the children and how much time the children spend with each parent.
The court only has a small amount of leeway with this formula without any justification to deviate. They can deviate up to 5%. However, if the paying parent has the children for more than 20% of the overnights, the courts will use a different child support formula and will likely reduce the amount paid.
If you’re dealing with a child support issue, it’s necessary to hire a family law attorney in Jacksonville to help you. Without a skilled attorney on your case, you may not understand how the amount of child support was calculated. At Tassone, Dreicer & Hill, we handle child support cases regularly. Our legal team will ensure you’re paying a fair amount for child support.
How Child Support Works in Florida
In the state of Florida, parents are not expected to support their children past the age of 18 or past graduation from high school. In addition, Florida doesn’t require parents to pay for the child’s college education. However, if the case involves an incapacitated child, the courts may declare him or her a dependent child and require parents to provide support throughout adulthood.
Since it’s the right of the child to receive support, parents cannot waive child support. If a parent does wave support during a paternity or divorce agreement, that wavier may later be set aside. It’s in violation of public policy.
Child support isn’t tax deductible for the paying parent and it’s not considered income for the receiving parent or child. In addition, the parent getting to claim the child or children as dependents on their federal income taxes isn’t decided by child support. Instead, it’s an issue the parties either agreed upon or the court has decided on separately.
Whether you’re going through a divorce or you just took a paternity test, it’s important to have a good family law attorney in Jacksonville on your side. The Law Offices of Tassone, Dreicer & Hill have worked with many clients facing child support issues. We will ensure you understand the situation and the terms of the martial settlement agreement fully. Our legal team will work for you to ensure you receive a fair figure when it comes to the child support you will pay or receive.