When a divorce action is commenced and children are involved, one of the major issues that the parents must decide is the amount of child support to be paid by one parent to the other. If you find yourself in this situation, you'll be glad to know that our divorce attorney, William J Leininger, Esq. is here for you and is more than willing to help you understand your rights and navigate the somewhat complicated area of Florida child support obligations. Because child support is determined through a uniform calculation, the child's parents are generally not allowed to alter this amount. This means that legally speaking, parents generally cannot increase or decrease the amount more than 5% above or below the Guideline amount, except where the Court approves the deviation for a good reason.
Through years of experience, our divorce attorney, William J. Leininger, has acquired the skills needed to navigate Florida's complicated child support laws in such a way to put you in the best position possible to ensure the most beneficial results for you and your child.
Factors That Are Considered When Calculating Child Support
The state of Florida uses the Uniform Child Support Guidelines, which are administered under Florida Statute 61.30. The amount to be contributed by each parent will be determined by the court's calculations which will take each parent's level of income into account. In order to work out accurate calculations, each parent must reveal information such as gross income, net income, commissions, bonuses, non-reported income, non-cash contributions, child care and daycare costs as well as health insurance expenses for the child
Once the calculations are done and the child support amount has been decided upon, the liable party will be expected to pay the amount as per the payment schedule that will be decided. Problems can develop where one parent conceals much of his or her income. For example a parent who actually owns a restaurant may claim to be only a busboy earning minimum wage rather than the owner making $100,000 or more per year! In such examples you need an experienced lawyer who knows how to prove unreported income, who will subpoena records, other employees and former employees of the business, etc.
Going through a divorce can be one of the toughest stages in anyone's life. When children are involved, things can be even more stressful. For many, hiring legal help is essential. We provide legal services for clients throughout Sarasota and Manatee Counties. Child support can make the difference that will enable your child to thrive and have access to opportunities that they would otherwise not have access to. If you need help requesting child support through the court, contact us today and speak to our experienced attorney who will help you through the whole process.
Having a highly competent divorce lawyer by your side will help you reach the best possible outcome!
Call our law office now at 941-727-5555 or contact us online to schedule an appointment with Mr. Leininger who sees clients Monday through Saturday, including some evenings.
This initial consultation is free, and there is never any pressure to hire us on the spot. What have you got to lose?
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