Northeast Florida Child Support Enforcement Attorney

Based in Jacksonville, Elrod & Elrod Has Been Helping Families with Child Support Issues Since 1966

Whether you pay child support or are owed child support, the Jacksonville, Florida law firm of Elrod & Elrod can help.

How Child Support Is Calculated in Florida

Florida child custody laws include a set of guidelines that must be followed when determining the amount of money allotted to raising a child. Florida domestic relations courts start with the parents’ joint income when determining how much support to award. Each parent is be responsible for a percentage of the total amount based on each parent’s percentage of combined income.

Once established, child support payments continue until the child reaches the age of 18 or graduates from high school, whichever is later.

Even though Florida child support guidelines are clear, there are considerations for taxes, daycare, and medical and dental expenses that can significantly change the amount of child support that is owed.

Modifying Child Support Obligations in Florida

In Florida, both parents have a legal obligation to support their children according to their ability to do so.

Child support is a right that belongs to the child and cannot be negotiated. A child support award can be modified, however, if one parent has a significant increase or decrease in income that is expected to continue. The amount of child support awarded could also change if there is a change in the needs of the child, such as for increased medical expenses or education.

As a practical matter, it is often easier for a married couple to make decisions about child-care and child-rearing expenses. Together, a married couple learns to adjust to the changing needs of children. After a divorce, many families need to return to court to adjust the amount of child support. These issues can be made worse when a parent refuses to make court-ordered child care payments.

Divorcing parents should remember that child support payments are intended to cover the costs of raising a child and are important the child’s well-being.

It is best for all involved if the parents are able to have discussions regarding finances and how the divorce will impact the child financially.

If you have questions about how child support is calculated, or your child support obligations, the Jacksonville, Florida law firm of Elrod & Elrod can help.

Even if a divorce is amicable, it’s still a good idea to seek advice from an experienced Florida child support attorney who can help you work towards the best outcome for all involved.

Elrod & Elrod Can Answer Your Questions About Florida Child Support

Whether you pay child support or are owed child support, Elrod & Elrod can help. If you need to collect child support Elrod & Elrod has experience in northeast Florida courts to pursue the other party to seek payment on your behalf.

If you owe child support and find yourself in a position where you are unable to make payments, Elrod & Elrod can assist you in modifying your child support obligations so you do not lose your driver's license or go to jail.

The Florida law firm of Elrod & Elrod has been serving the Jacksonville metropolitan area since 1966. The firm proudly represents people throughout northeast Florida in Baker, Bradford, Citrus, Clay, Columbia, Duval, Flagler, Hamilton, Marion, Nassau, Putnam, St.Johns, Sumter, Suwannee, and Union counties.

Contact Elrod & Elrod today. Call 904-356-1282, email robert@elrodjaxlaw.com, or complete our online form.