Sarasota Child Support Lawyer

Sarasota Child Support Attorney

Arranging appropriate child support payments can be difficult. Most arrangements come with some challenges. If you are divorcing or separating, you have to make child support arrangements while also handling the dissolution of your relationship. You could be facing the challenge of proving paternity or a partner who is reluctant to offer support. A Sarasota child support lawyer can help you navigate this overwhelming process.

Hire a Child Support Lawyer

When you hire a child support lawyer from Ruhl Law, P.A., you are gaining an ally who can help you safeguard your rights and the rights of your child. Our family law team has experience helping Sarasota families as they navigate the often-complicated child support laws in Florida. We make sure you understand your rights while we advocate for you and your child’s interests. Our team can negotiate on your behalf or represent you in court.

What Is Child Support

In Florida, child support is used to provide for the needs of a child when both parents live separately. Child support is designed to provide for basic necessities like housing, utilities, food, clothing, and medical expenses in addition to health insurance. Parents who are separated can ask the court to establish child support payments to help provide financial support for the child.

In Sarasota, as of 2024, there were 25,751 households. Of these households, only 49% are run by a married couple. Of the other 51%, 4% are male-headed, and 19% are female-headed. Of the population of Sarasota, 57% were single at the time of the 2024 census. Within the single population, 13% of men and 17% of women were divorced. With these numbers, many families likely have experience with child support.

Child support cases in Sarasota are heard by the 12th Judicial Circuit Court by Child Support Hearing Officers and Magistrates. Child support hearings are offered in person and online. Once a child support hearing is completed, a report is presented to a Circuit Court Judge who reviews and ratifies the agreement.

Common Child Support Issues

Child support is an important and necessary resource that allows the custodial parent to provide for the basic needs of the child. However, many parents encounter obstacles when trying to collect the child support payments that have been ordered. Common issues with child support include:

• Payments: Numerous payment issues can arise between parents. Late and missed payments are common issues. Unintentional issues could also happen when a parent is misinformed of the payment due date or amount. Intentional non-payment is also a problem.
• Modifications: The need for modifications is inevitable, but issues can arise. Unless there is a substantial, permanent, or involuntary change in the income of the parent making payments, modifications are generally only considered every three years.
• Misunderstandings: Parents new to paying or receiving child support may misunderstand how the process works. Buying items or paying fees does not decrease the child support obligation, and visitation cannot be restricted if a payment is late or missed without a court order.
• Guideline deviations: When payments are calculated, deviations can arise from unusual circumstances. High travel costs or unique medical expenses could alter payment amounts.

Consequences for Non-Payment of Child Support

Once a child support order has been established by the court, there can be serious consequences for non-payment, including:

• Issuance of an Income Deduction Order, which requires employers to automatically deduct the payments from their paychecks
• Reduction to parenting time or visitation rights
• Requirement to pay late fees on missed payments
• Driver’s license and professional license suspension
• Revocation of your passport

FAQs About Sarasota, FL Child Support Law

How Much Does a Child Support Attorney in Florida Cost?

The cost to hire a child support attorney in Florida varies with several factors. Complicated or contested cases generally cost more than simple cases or those where both parents agree on support terms. Some attorneys charge a flat fee for their services, while others charge based on an hourly rate. For simple agreements, some attorneys offer review services to examine your child support agreement and offer advice before filing.

Are Child Support Lawyers Worth It?

Generally, parents who use a child support lawyer think it is worth the expense. Child support lawyers can guide you through the court process, shield you from dealing with a combative ex-spouse or partner, and advocate for you and your child’s interests. Hiring a child support lawyer can also be beneficial when there is a history of domestic violence.

How Is Child Support Calculated in Florida?

Florida uses the Income Shares Model to calculate child support. Using this method, each parent’s net income is considered along with the allocation of time-sharing with the child. A statutory table is used to determine the combined monthly obligation for both parents. Additional expenses for childcare and health insurance are added to the basic support obligation. Each parent is responsible for a percentage of the total obligation.

Do You Need a Lawyer to File for Child Support?

No, there is no legal requirement to have a child support lawyer when filing for child support. Child support cases are filed through the Florida Department of Revenue, and the state provides services for parents, but those services represent the state’s interests and not the parents. Having your own lawyer can help safeguard your interests. Cases that are complex or contested often benefit from legal representation.

Can a Parent Be Criminally Charged for Failing to Pay Child Support in Florida?

Yes, a parent can be criminally charged for failing to pay child support in Florida. Under Florida Statute 827.06, a parent who fails to pay is considered a first-degree misdemeanor, and a second offense is raised to a third-degree felony. The parent could face up to five years in prison, five years of probation, and a $5,000 fine for non-payment. The parent is also still responsible for any outstanding payments.

Contact Ruhl Law, P.A.

You may be facing many difficulties when trying to establish a child support order or when getting an existing order modified. You may worry about how you can provide for all of your child’s needs without the support of their other parent. It is in your child’s best interests to have a court-mandated child support order. Contact Ruhl Law, P.A., today to schedule your initial consultation.