Your browser does not support JavaScript!

Contact us to schedule your appointment or mediation:  (407) 388 8740

Ambrose Family Law
  • HOME
  • ABOUT US
    • Sandra K. Ambrose
  • PRACTICE AREAS
    • Divorce
    • Settlement Agreements
    • Pre and Post- Nuptial Agreements
    • Modifications
    • Contempt and Enforcement of Orders
    • Child Support
    • Child Custody and Time Sharing
    • Appeals
    • Alimony and Spousal Support
    • Relocations
    • Paternity
    • Parenting Plans
    • Equitable Distribution
    • Certified Mediator
  • CONTACT
  • HOME
  • ABOUT US
    • Sandra K. Ambrose
  • PRACTICE AREAS
    • Divorce
    • Settlement Agreements
    • Pre and Post- Nuptial Agreements
    • Modifications
    • Contempt and Enforcement of Orders
    • Child Support
    • Child Custody and Time Sharing
    • Appeals
    • Alimony and Spousal Support
    • Relocations
    • Paternity
    • Parenting Plans
    • Equitable Distribution
    • Certified Mediator
  • CONTACT

Child Support

January 23, 2016  |  By Sandra K. Ambrose In Child Support, Dads and Divorce, Minor Child, Timesharing

Child Support Q&A

Child Support Questions and Answers

[et_pb_section admin_label=”section”][et_pb_row admin_label=”row”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″][et_pb_text admin_label=”Text” background_layout=”light” text_orientation=”left” text_font_size=”14″ use_border_color=”off” border_color=”#ffffff” border_style=”solid”]

FOR DIVORCING COUPLES with minor children, child support can be one of the most confusing and contentious issues. Clients frequently call with questions concerning child support and modification of child support orders. Hopefully, these will answer some of your basic questions. Of course, each case is different, and we at Ambrose Family Law are available to answer any specific questions you may have about your particular circumstances.

 Q  I do not agree with the way my ex-spouse parents, which is why we are getting a divorce. Do I still need to pay him or her child support?

 A  Yes, if the court orders you to pay child support, you must pay it. Florida law obligates both parents of minor children to pay child support. Child support is the right of the child, not the right of either parent. As a matter of public policy, Florida believes every child is entitled to food, clothing and shelter and that it is the responsibility of both of the child’s parents to provide for the child.

 Q  My spouse makes more money than I do. He/she will have to pay me child support, right?

 A  It depends. A child support obligation for each parent is calculated based on a formula devised by the state. The formula, basically, takes into account the net income of both parents, and particular expenses like healthcare premiums for the children and daycare costs, if any. It also considers the number of nights each child is anticipated to spend with each parent, according to the proposed time-sharing arrangement. Once all the figures are plugged into the formula (known as child support guidelines) and calculated, each parent will have a figure that they “owe” for child support. They then can come to an agreement as to how this obligation will be settled between them, or let the judge decide. However, child support cannot be “waived” by either parent.

 Q  We’ve been separated for several months and I’ve been completely supporting our child during that time. Can I get retroactive child support from my spouse for the time we’ve been separated but not divorced?

 A  You can petition the court for retroactive child support for up to 24 months prior to the date of filing of your request for child support.

 Q  I am struggling to pay child support because I’ve been downsized and no longer make the kind of money I used to make, what can I do?

 A  Child support modification is based on a showing of substantial, permanent and unanticipated change in circumstances. Certainly, during these difficult economic times, many people are experiencing job loss and downsizing. In many cases, it is taking several months, if not years, to find new employment. If you are no longer making the income you once made through no fault of your own, you can file a petition for modification of child support with the court, and reasonably expect a modification. Note, however, the court may impute income to a parent who simply refuses to work or who requests a decrease in child support while unemployed when they appear not to be seeking employment.

 Q  I want my spouse to help pay for our child’s college expenses or to pay child support until our child graduates from a four-year University. Can I make him/her do that?

 A  No. The law in Florida does not require parents to pay child support beyond the age of majority (18 years) or the date the child graduates from high school (unless the child is severely disabled). However, parents can agree to other arrangements.

For more information about our qualifications and experience, and answers to other questions you may have about child support, modification of child support orders, time-sharing, parenting plans and other issues related to divorce, please click here to contact Ambrose Family Law to schedule a no-obligation consultation.

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]

Child Custody Child Support Dads and Divorce Timesharing
Previous StoryRelocation with Minor Child
Next StoryHoliday Time-Sharing

Related Articles

  • Sad littl girl. Child's problems
    Child Testimony in High Conflict Divorce Cases
  • A shot of a middle age caucasian woman paying bills at home
    Preparing for Your Divorce: Financial Documents You'll Need to Gather

Recent Posts

  • Child Testimony in High Conflict Divorce Cases
  • Preparing for Your Divorce: Financial Documents You’ll Need to Gather
  • Florida Alimony Reform Update
  • Child Custody and Support Modification in Florida: 5 Facts You Should Know
  • Can Your Spouse Use Confidential Sessions with Your Therapist Against You in Court?

Recent Comments

    Archives

    • March 2016
    • January 2016

    Categories

    • Adultery
    • Alimony
    • Alimony Reform in Florida
    • Alternate Dispute Resolution
    • Child Custody
    • Child Support
    • Dads and Divorce
    • Divorce
    • Divorce for Older Couples
    • Divorce with Minor Children
    • Equitable Distribution
    • Financial Disclosure in Divorce
    • Florida Divorce
    • High Conflict Divorce
    • Holidays
    • Imputing Income
    • Legal Separation
    • Marital Property
    • Mediation
    • Military Divorce
    • Minor Child
    • Non-Marital Property
    • Parenting Plans
    • Paternity
    • Real Estate in Divorce
    • Relocation
    • Retirement in Divorce
    • Spousal Support
    • Timesharing
    • Wills and Trusts
    • Women and Divorce

    Meta

    • Log in
    • Entries feed
    • Comments feed
    • WordPress.org

    Disclaimer: The information you obtain at this site is not, nor is it intended to be, legal advice. You should consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation. We invite you to contact us and welcome your calls, letters and electronic mail. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship. Please do not send any confidential information to us until such time as an attorney-client relationship has been established.

    Copyright 2022 Sandra K. Ambrose, P.A. | site created by | Southern Cross Media LLC

    en English
    en Englishes Spanish