Among the issues that come up during a divorce or separation, parents are usually the most emotional regarding their children. For that reason, hiring an experienced Child support attorney palm beach gardens will ensure both you and your child understand your rights under Florida law; and help you navigate through Florida’s courts so your child receives adequate financial assistance for a successful future.

Whether you want to receive child support, modify your existing child support order, or enforce collection of past due child support payments, having a knowledgeable attorney is vital to the resolution of your case.

What is Child Support in Palm Beach County?

In Florida, child support is intended to help support the child and get financial support from both parents for the child. Therefore, the court will consider many factors when establishing the amount of child support mandated by each parent, including:

Income of each parent
Number of children involved
Cost of necessary healthcare or childcare
Time-sharing arrangementsBetween parents for the child
Educational and special needs of the child.

Child support is established through the applying the statutory guidelines provided in Florida’s child support statutes; however, the trial judge has the ability to deviate from the guidelines as provided by statute. A child support attorney with child support experience in Palm Beach County can help ensure the calculation of child support is fair and accurate as it relates to your case.

Why You Do Need an attorney for Child Support Issues

It should be noted that child support cases can often be complex. Often times issues arise regarding income reports, time share arrangements, and other expenses. An attorney can assist you in several important ways;

1. Financial Disclosure Information that is both accurate and complete is a common point of contention in child support issues. An attorney will assist you by uncovering hidden income & assisting with verifying financial documentation so that all necessary evidence & information is made available to the court.

2. Fairness in Determining Child Support Orders. Whether you are the paying or receiving mother or father, fairness is key. An attorney who handles child support in Palm Beach County will ensure that the court applies Florida child support guidelines in a proper manner, taking into account all relevant facts to your case.

3. Changing Existing Child Support Orders. Life happens. Job loss, increased income, change of residence, and/or change of custody are all valid reasons for changing child support payments. An attorney can help file a motion to modify and present a solid legal argument to support your proposed modifications.

4. Enforcing Payment of Child Support. If the other parent has failed to make the child support payments ordered by the court, an attorney can assist you in obtaining court ordered child support payments through the use of Child Support Enforcement (CSE) if necessary. Court ordered child support payments may also include wage garnishment or suspension of the other parent’s driver’s license. An attorney will help you to ensure that the proper enforcement remedy is pursued in the to obtain a court ordered child support payment.

Common issues involving child support in Florida

There are many child support disagreements in Palm Beach County, which include some of the following:

-Disputed underreported or self-employment income
-Disputes over custody calculation
-Medical expense or education expense-sharing dispute
-Delinquencies of payments
-Moves impacting child support

Those issues need the legal attention required to get them resolved correctly to ensure compliance with the Florida family law and to protect the best interest of the child.

How the courts in Florida decide upon child support

The courts in Florida work on a strict set of guidelines, but a judge may have discretion given several issues. Reasons that may influence the final decision include:

-Quality of life for the child if the parents had stayed together
-The financial resources and capacity of earning for each parent
-Needs of the child, including his/her medical or educational needs
-Time-sharing arrangement and overnight stays

A Child Support Lawyer in Palm Beach County could help provide evidence for a fair resolution of the issues so that the court won't view your financial situation on an incomplete basis.

How to Change Child Support Orders

Many parents believe that child support orders are final and unchangeable; however, they can be modified if you have experienced a significant change in your circumstances. Such changes may include:

-Losing a job or making less money
-Getting a new job or making more money
-Changes in visitation or custody
-New costs for medical expenses or for taking care of your children

To change your child support order, you need to file a legal petition with your local court. An attorney can help you prepare all the paperwork necessary for the court, gather evidence to support your case, and represent you at court hearings.

How to Collect Unpaid Child Support

If you are a Florida resident and have not received your child support payments, Florida laws allow you to use several methods to collect your payments. Some of these methods include:

-Income withholding orders (garnishments of wages)
-Levies on bank accounts
-Suspension of your driver's license or other occupational licenses
-Interception of tax refunds
-Contempt of court proceedings

An experienced attorney can assist you in ensuring that enforcement actions are performed as quickly as possible and effectively, so that your children receive the financial support they need.

Selecting an Appropriate Child Support Attorney in Palm Beach County

When seeking representation, choosing a lawyer who has experience in family law and child support cases may be one of the most important factors to consider. Carefully evaluate each candidate for the following attributes:

Experience with family law litigation
Ability to negotiate effectively and represent you well in court
Ability to fully communicate, including providing client support
Familiarity with the local court rules and procedures for the jurisdiction where you live (Palm Beach County)
Reliable, Credible Representation

At Grant J. Gisondo, P.A, their clients are provided sound, dedicated legal service in all aspects of family law, including custody, divorce, and child support cases. The firm is dedicated to upholding the rights of parents while ensuring that the child’s best interests are the primary focus.

Summation

Child support cases can have a significant impact on both the parent and the child. Retaining the services of an experienced Child support lawyer palm beach gardens can help to ensure that your legal rights are upheld by providing a fair, accurate and enforceable support order and that your interests are protected. Whether you need to establish, modify or enforce your child support order, you will be able to benefit from the help of a qualified attorney in Palm Beach County.