What Does Child Support Cover in Orlando, FL?

When it comes to family law arrangements in Florida, child support is an essential obligation that helps guarantee the financial well-being of children whose parents are separated, divorced, or unmarried. As such, child support laws exist to ensure that both parents fulfill their responsibility of care toward their children.

That said, child support can be a complex system to navigate. Many parents need help understanding the intricacies of state statutes outlining various child support provisions.

Expenses Covered By Florida Child Support

Florida’s child support obligations cover many expenses for a child’s development and well-being. Whenever a parent is ordered to pay child support, these payments will typically continue until the child turns 18 or graduates from high school unless the parties agree otherwise.

Basic Needs

Child support payments are intended to cover the cost of a child’s basic needs, including:

  • Food
  • Shelter
  • Clothing

Parents who receive child support payments must allocate these funds to ensure that their child is fed, clothed, and provided with safe and adequate shelter.

Healthcare Expenses

Child support payments also cover various healthcare expenses, such as:

  • Medical insurance
  • Vision care
  • Dental health
  • Medication
  • Therapy

Since medical care is integral to a child’s well-being, Florida courts are stringent in guaranteeing children access to basic health services.

Education

Florida child support obligations include educational expenses like tuition, fees, textbooks, and school supplies. These expenses help ensure that the child receives a quality education and realizes their full potential.

Childcare

For many single parents, child support can help cover the costs of daycare, after-school programs, and summer camps. Such places offer the child a safe and secure environment while the parent is at work or tending to other obligations.

Extracurricular Activities

Extracurricular activities like sports, music, art, and recreational pastimes are essential for a child’s development and well-being. In light of this, child support can help pay for membership fees, lessons, and other costs associated with after-school activities.

How Do Florida Courts Determine Child Support?

Florida courts use a standard formula to determine child support obligations.

In most cases, this formula takes into account several factors, including:

  • Both parents’ income
  • The general standard of living
  • The number of children
  • The custody arrangement
  • The child or children’s particular needs

The courts will also listen to testimony on behalf of each parent and weigh in on any mitigating factors that could affect the overall amount before making a final decision.

If a parent disagrees with the court’s decision regarding child support, they have the right to file an objection. The objection must be filed in writing with the court, after which a hearing will be scheduled to consider additional evidence.

Child Support Enforcement in Florida

Child support enforcement laws in Florida serve to ensure that non-custodial parents fulfill their financial obligations toward their children.

These laws allow for the enforcement of child support payments through several methods, including:

  • Garnished wages
  • Withheld tax payments
  • Suspended driver’s licenses
  • Criminal prosecution

The Florida Department of Revenue is responsible for enforcing child support orders, and they have the authority to take legal action against non-compliant parents. Child support orders can also be modified if there’s a significant change in circumstances.

In the most severe cases of non-payment, parents can face jail time and other criminal penalties.

An Orlando Child Support Lawyer Can Help You Understand Your Legal Rights

Whether you’re a single parent or plan to separate from or divorce your spouse, child support can help you meet your child’s basic needs.

A child support petition can protect the health and well-being of your child during their formative years. Contact an Orlando family law attorney to learn more about the process of petitioning for child support.

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