Compassionate Legal Support for Your Child’s Best Interests
Florida courts no longer automatically favor the mother in child custody determinations and have recently started supporting relatively equal time-sharing between parents after a divorce. This is important because child support is determined in part by the amount of parenting time or overnight stays the child has with each parent. At Haslett Law, our Clay County child support attorneys have the knowledge and experience to represent you through the process.
Few family law cases are more contentious than those involving money or children. It should come as no surprise, then, that disputes over child support amounts and payments can get particularly heated.
Florida provides state child support guidelines to ensure a consistent method for determining financial obligations. These guidelines help the court calculate an appropriate amount of support.
The guidelines account for:
Each parent’s income
The number of children involved
How much each parent pays toward the child’s daycare
The monthly cost of the child’s medical, dental, and vision insurance
Support payments made for children from previous relationships
Percentage of overnight stays with each parent
The court reserves the right to deviate from the state’s guidelines and calculate support using its own judgment as long as the deviation is explained in writing.
Can Child Support Be Modified?
Child support orders are not set in stone. They can be modified with court approval if one parent requests the change and can prove that a substantial change in their circumstances necessitates the modification.
Some common concerns or situations that may require a child support modification include:
Hiding assets or income – Each parent is expected to disclose all their income. If you realize that your spouse hid assets from you when the initial support order was created, you may be able to get it modified.
A change in either party’s income – If the paying party’s income increases or decreases, there may be grounds to request a child support modification.
Non-payment of child support – If you are struggling to pay the court-ordered support, don’t just stop making payments – request a modification right away to ensure that you are not found in contempt of your court order.
A change in overnight stays – If either parent’s schedule changes and they receive fewer or more overnight stays, child support may need to be adjusted as well.
Retroactive Child Support for Unmarried Parents
If two parents were never married, one parent may be eligible for child support. If the father acknowledges paternity or a paternity test proves he is, the court can order up to two years’ worth of back child support, starting from the date of the couple’s separation.
If you need representation, call our Clay County child support lawyers at (904) 299-1188.
“Betsy reunited me with my 2 sons & we will be forever grateful for her!”
I don’t know where to begin in thanking Betsy for her services. She helped me through a very trying time in my life. Her professional experience in family law is tremendous & it shows with her dedication to her clients. Betsy reunited me with my 2 sons & we will be forever grateful for her!
Former Client
“I would highly recommend Haslett Law to anyone seeking legal assistance.”
I was referred to Betsy Haslett by an attorney at a large Jacksonville business. I live in North Carolina and desperately need legal help with two separate family emergencies in Florida. Betsy helped me understand all of the steps of the actions we needed to take. She was always available to me as I navigated crisis after crisis. My family emergencies have been resolved thanks to Betsy’s attention to detail and we continue to address additional issues as they arise. I am grateful for her legal expertise and her support during an extremely difficult and emotional time. I would highly recommend Haslett Law to anyone seeking legal assistance.
“I am so glad that I chose Haslett law.”
During a difficult time in my life Haslett law guided to make the best decisions possible for my family's future. I am so glad that I chose Haslett law.
Chantel
“Our lives would not be as blessed as they are today.”
JR went above and beyond to see our case through. Even after our family member botched up the initial deal that had been struck, he stepped in when he didn’t have to and re negotiated another opportunity. JR took a sincere interest in our family and were it not for his extra effort our lives would not be as blessed as they are today. He told us at the beginning that he would follow the case through to it end and that’s exactly what he did and then some.
Tom
“I will forever be grateful for their professionalism and support.”
Haslett Law exceeded my expectations by always showing a sincere interest in me and providing sound solutions to my problems. No matter the amount of calls or emails, they were diligent in responding in a timely manner. I will forever be grateful for their professionalism and support.
Tangie
“HIRE HER!!!!!”
Betsy is the best! Very proficient at her trade very thorough did not waste either my money or time. Knew exactly what moves to make and ultimately got me my son I cant recommend or praise her enough. I unfortunately hired another lawyer before her and found her when my case was in shambles again she made it happen. HIRE HER!!!!!
Thank you Betsy.
Wally & Cason
“We highly recommend Haslett Law!!”
We are very happy with the professionalism and willingness to help us. Thank you for the fast service and awesome experience! We highly recommend Haslett Law!!
Derek
“The only 2 names I believe in and give out!!”
These attorneys are awesome. Anyone who ask me for a reference this is the only 2 names I believe in and give out!!
