Debunking Some Common Myths About Child Support In Florida

One of the divorce-related issues that is often misunderstood is child support. Many myths abound about child support. This could be because child support laws are complex or vary from state to state. Also, another reason there are many myths about child support could be because laws are constantly changing. If you’re going through a Florida divorce that entails dealing with the issue of child support, it is crucial that you are able to tell the facts from the myths. To help you understand the truth about child support in Florida, below we debunk some of the most prevalent myths about child support in Florida.

The Father Is Always the One Required To Pay Child Support

In Florida, the court can order either the father or mother to pay child support. Gender is not one of the factors that Florida courts consider when determining who will pay child support. Florida courts consider the time-sharing arrangement and both parents’ incomes, and other statutory factors, when deciding who will pay child support.

Parents Decide How Much Will Be Paid as Child Support

It is up to the court to decide the amount of child support to be paid. There is a formula for calculating child support in Florida.

Child Support Payments Only Go On Until a Child Turns Eighteen

Some time back, this was true. However, today, parents in Florida may be expected to keep paying child support even after a child reaches the age of eighteen. For instance, suppose a child gets to the age of eighteen, and he or she is still in high school. In such a case, payments are required to continue until the child reaches the age of nineteen or leaves high school. Also, in Florida, child support may never end if a child has special needs.

Child Support Agreements Cannot Be Changed.

Child support agreements are not set in stone. When a substantial change in circumstances occurs, a parent can request the court to modify an existing child support agreement.

Child Support Payments Must Only Be Spent on Children

Child support payments can be spent on things that directly or indirectly impact a child. And the receiving parent does not have a duty to talk about how he or she spends the money with the other parent.

Contact a Jacksonville Family Lawyer

If you need help with a family law-related issue, including divorce and child support, contact our Jacksonville family lawyers at The Lasky Law Firm at 904-399-1644.

Source:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.30.html