Miami Child Support Lawyers
Dedicated to Protecting Your Family's Future
Child support issues can be intricate and emotionally challenging. Balancing financial obligations while ensuring your child's well-being is vital. Leinoff & Lemos offers expert guidance through the complexities of child support, helping you understand and fulfill your legal responsibilities.
Call Leinoff & Lemos today at (305) 222-7442 or contact us online to schedule a meeting with our child support attorneys in Miami!
What is Child Support?
Child support is a mandated financial contribution from the non-custodial parent to support their child's living expenses. These payments cover basic needs, including housing, food, clothing, healthcare, and education. The goal is to provide a standard of living for the child that closely matches what they would have experienced if the parents had remained together.
How is Child Support Calculated in Florida?
Florida follows specific guidelines to calculate child support, primarily based on parents' income and the child's needs. Several factors are taken into consideration to determine the appropriate amount of support:
- Income of Both Parents: The court assesses the combined net income of both parents. This includes wages, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income, and other sources of income.
- Deductions: Certain deductions are allowed from the gross income, such as federal, state, and local income tax deductions, health insurance payments, and mandatory retirement contributions.
- Number of Children: The number of children requiring support significantly impacts the calculation. More children typically result in higher support obligations.
- Health Insurance and Childcare Costs: The support amount includes the cost of the child's health insurance and necessary childcare expenses.
- Parenting Time: The amount of time each parent spends with the child also influences the support calculation. If the non-custodial parent has substantial overnight visits, this may reduce their support obligation.
Florida utilizes a standard formula and a detailed worksheet to ensure fairness and consistency in child support determinations. However, deviations from the guideline amount may occur in cases of extraordinary medical, educational, or special needs expenses.
What Age Do You Stop Paying Child Support?
Typically, child support in Florida continues until the child turns 18. There are, however, several exceptions to this rule:
- High School Graduation: If the child is still in high school at age 18, support continues until they graduate or turn 19, whichever comes first.
- Agreement of the Parents: Parents can mutually agree to extend support beyond 18, which may be stipulated in the original child support order.
- Special Needs: If a child has a physical or mental disability that requires ongoing support, the court may order continued child support beyond the age of 18.
- Emancipation: Child support obligations may cease if a minor is legally emancipated before turning 18.
Ensuring clarity on the duration of child support obligations is essential for both parents to plan for their financial future and the well-being of their children.
Navigating Child Support Matters with Confidence
When dealing with child support matters, having a knowledgeable and experienced attorney on your side is essential. Our team at Leinoff & Lemos has a proven track record of successfully handling child support cases in Miami and the surrounding areas. Whether you seek to establish child support, modify an existing agreement, or enforce a court order, our attorneys can provide the guidance and representation you need.
Benefits of working with our Miami child support attorneys include:
- Expertise in Florida child support laws
- Personalized legal strategies tailored to your unique situation
- Negotiation and mediation skills to reach favorable agreements
- Aggressive advocacy in court when necessary
- Compassionate support and guidance throughout the legal process
Contact Our Miami Child Support Attorneys Today
Child support is essential for maintaining a child's quality of life following parental separation or divorce. Knowing how support is calculated and when obligations end can be complex.
Leinoff & Lemos is dedicated to assisting with all aspects of child support, from establishing and modifying orders to enforcement. Our Miami child support lawyers provide personalized and expert legal representation, ensuring that your child's best interests are always the top priority. Whether you need help understanding your obligations or navigating legal procedures, we support you every step of the way.
Contact Leinoff & Lemos today to meet with our child support lawyers in Miami!
