How To Apply for Child Support in Orlando, FL

A parent can apply for child support in Orlando by signing up for child support services through the Florida Department of Revenue. You do not need an attorney to sign up for these services. However, that does not mean you should not have an attorney to assist you.

If you are dealing with a child support issue, it is wise to seek legal advice from an experienced Orlando child support lawyer. A child support attorney can help you in many ways. Reasons why you want to hire an attorney to apply for child support in Orlando include:

Your Ex May Have an Attorney

If your ex has an attorney, they have someone on their side who understands the law and process of filing for child support. They have an advocate to represent their interests in court. In short, it gives your ex an advantage over you in the child support process.

Understand Your Legal Rights

The Department of Revenue is not your legal representative. They cannot give you legal advice. An Orlando child support attorney explains your rights and advises you of your options. They advocate for you to ensure you are treated fairly throughout the process.

Child Support Laws Are Complex

Even though Florida has standard child support guidelines, child support cases can be complex. If you do not thoroughly understand child support laws, you could make a mistake. Your ex would gain another advantage because of your error.

Help With Child Support Calculations

The Florida child support guidelines provide the presumptive amount of child support based on the number of children and the combined monthly net income of the parents. However, judges do not need to follow the guidelines to the letter in all cases.

Furthermore, calculating net income can be difficult. Parents may disagree on sources of income to use in the calculations. They may disagree about what deductions are allowed to calculate net income. Because income is an essential element of child support calculations in Florida, you need to ensure net income is calculated correctly.

Adjustments can be made for time-sharing. The number of overnights a child spends with you can increase or decrease your child support amount. Furthermore, judges can deviate from the child support guidelines after considering the child’s needs, such as childcare expenses, medical costs, health insurance premiums, special needs, and education expenses.

An experienced Orlando child support lawyer knows what to present to the court, which could result in a deviation from basic child support obligations. They also know how to spot amounts your ex might try to include that should not be considered in child support.

Timely Resolution to Your Child Support Case

When you apply for child support services, you have no control over the timeline. The Department of Revenue is in charge. 

However, if you hire a child support lawyer, your attorney can ensure steps proceed as quickly as possible. They can help avoid unnecessary delays by staying on top of your case.

Dispels Common Myths About Child Support

There are many misconceptions about child support obligations in Florida. Hiring an attorney ensures that you do not make a mistake based on a misunderstanding of child support laws. 

Common myths about Florida child support include:

Child support ends at age 18

Child support can continue until the child turns 19 or graduates high school, whichever comes first. Child support does not always end at 18.

Child support is only paid by the non-custodial parent

The non-custodial parent usually pays support payments to the custodial payment, but both parents share the child support obligation based on Florida’s Income Shares Model.

I can deny visitation if my ex falls behind on child support payments

You can take your ex to court for failing to pay child support, but you cannot deny visitation based solely on non-payment. You could be held in contempt of court for violating a court order.

Child support never changes

The court can modify child support based on a substantial change in circumstances. The parent asking for the change must prove the change is substantial and was not anticipated when the original support order was issued.

Child support is tax-deductible

The parent receiving child support does not report the support payments as income. The parent paying child support cannot deduct the amount from their taxable income.

Do I Need an Orlando Child Support Lawyer?

Hiring an Orlando child support attorney is recommended. Having an attorney works to ensure a fair amount of child support is ordered. If you have questions about child support in Orlando, schedule a free consultation to get answers and prepare for your case.

Contact Our Child Support Law Firm in Orlando, FL

Contact the experienced Orlando child support lawyers at McMichen, Cinami & Demps today for legal assistance. Contact our Orlando, FL office at (407) 898-2161 to schedule a free consultation.

McMichen, Cinami & Demps – Orlando Office
1500 E Concord St
Orlando, FL 32803