Miami Child Support Attorney
Family Law Specialists for Child Support Matters in Miami and South Florida
Florida law on child support is based on the general principle that both parents have a fundamental obligation to support their children. This obligation generally lasts until a child turns 18. However, it can extend longer if the parents agree or if the child has special needs. The obligation to support a child can also end earlier than 18 (if the child becomes emancipated, marries or joins the armed services). The Miami child support attorneys at Foster-Morales PLLC can help make sure you and your children are fairly represented in any child support proceeding in Miami or throughout South Florida.
In determining how much child support a parent is required to pay, a court utilizes the Florida child support guidelines. These guidelines are based on a formula that considers both parents’ income, the percentage of overnight timesharing each parent exercises and the number of children. Provision must also be made for health insurance for the child in most cases.
How a Skilled and Knowledgeable Divorce Attorney Can Help
In many instances, a parent’s income is not easily determined. In addition, there are situations in which a spouse is voluntarily underemployed or unemployed. The attorneys at Foster-Morales PLLC have the experience and knowledge to develop and implement a sensible plan of action specific to your particular case so a parent’s actual income can be ascertained or the appropriate amount of imputed income can be determined, thereby providing the necessary information to calculate the correct child support guideline amount.
The guidelines amount is only a guide, and a family court judge can deviate up or down from the guidelines by as much as five percent, or even more if the judge makes specific findings that a greater deviation is justified. A child support deviation usually comes into play when one of the parents has a very high income resulting in a child support guideline amount that exceeds the reasonable needs of the child. Factors considered by the court in determining whether a deviation is appropriate include the age and needs of the child, the station in life, standard of living, and the financial status and ability of each parent. When arguing for or against a deviation from the guidelines, our attorneys have the skill and experience needed to gather the necessary evidence and present your position to the judge in a compelling, persuasive manner.
Seek Experienced Legal Representation in Your Florida Child Support Matter
To make sure you and your children are treated fairly when it comes to determining child support in your divorce, contact Foster-Morales PLLC in Miami to speak with a skilled and knowledgeable Miami child support attorneys.
