The Law Office of Robert L. Bogen is here to assist the public in Boca Raton, Florida with understanding their rights and obligations when it comes to child support. This blog post will cover some of the most commonly asked questions regarding child support in Florida, such as how it is calculated, what options are available if you cannot pay, and what can be done if your ex refuses to pay. 

How Is Child Support Calculated in Florida?

Under Florida law, both parents have an obligation to provide financial support for a minor child until the age of 18 (or 19 if the child is still attending high school). The amount of money that must be paid for this support depends on several factors, including both parents' incomes and any other sources of income or assets. The court will also consider childcare costs, health insurance costs, and any other relevant expenses that may affect the amount of money needed to adequately provide for a child's needs. 

What Are My Options If I Am Unable To Pay Child Support?

If you are unable to make your child support payments due to job loss or some other financial hardship, you should contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Your lawyer can help you understand your rights and explore potential options such as filing for a modification or requesting a temporary reduction in payments until your financial situation improves. It is important to note that failure to make your payments can result in serious consequences including wage garnishment or even jail time. 

What Can I Do If My Ex Refuses To Pay Child Support?

If your ex has stopped making their required payments without first obtaining a formal modification from the court, then you have several legal options available. You can file an enforcement action with the court demanding payment; file a contempt action against your ex; or take them to small claims court if they owe less than $5,000. An experienced family law attorney can guide you through each step and ensure that all legal procedures are properly followed during this process. 

Will Child Support Stop Once The Child Is 18? Generally speaking, yes – once the child turns 18 (or 19 if they are still attending high school), then both parents are no longer legally obligated to pay child support. However, there may be situations where one parent is ordered by the court to continue paying support after the age of 18 (such as if there is an agreement between both parties). It’s best to speak with an attorney about these types of specific cases so they can provide more detailed information about what might happen in each unique scenario. 

Understanding all aspects of child support laws can be complex and confusing; however at The Law Office of Robert L. Bogen we strive to help our clients understand their rights and obligations when it comes to these matters so that they can make informed decisions about their future. We have years of experience assisting clients throughout Boca Raton with their individual needs related to child support matters so please do not hesitate to reach out today! With our team on your side you can rest assured knowing we will do everything we can keep your best interests at heart while protecting yours and your children’s rights every step of the way!