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Florida Child Support Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Social Security for Florida on
Q: What steps do I need to take to garnish my ex's SSDI benefits for my minor child.

My ex, who's now incarcerated, is receiving SSDI benefits. Child support has been trying to locate him for years to serve papers on him to no avail. How can I go about garnishing his wages for support to my minor child?

James L. Arrasmith
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answered on Apr 18, 2024

Garnishing SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) benefits for child support involves several steps. Here's what you need to do:

1. Obtain a child support order: If you don't already have one, you'll need to get a court order that specifies the amount of child support...
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1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Florida on
Q: Do i have to attend a deposition requested by email from the other parties attorney?

I'm wary because its through email and it seems not to be a court order. Just told "oral depositions is a normal discovery procedure authorized by the Florida family rules of procedure. Your attendance at this deposition is mandatory. I am only giving you the courtesy of coordinating it... View More

John Michael Frick
John Michael Frick
answered on Apr 10, 2024

Because you are a party, you are required to appear for deposition when you receive a formal written Notice. Typically, her attorney would contact your attorney to discuss available dates for scheduling. If you do not have an attorney, her attorney would reach out to you for available dates, most... View More

0 Answers | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Florida on
Q: my son (21) has been in and out of college and in rehab since grad. and is now trying to extend support to 25. Can he?

Graduated high school. Attended university for 3 semesters - flunked out.

Took the summer off. Partied with friends. Refused to get a job.

Enrolled in community college. Flunked out after 2 semester.

Took a YEAR off. Got in trouble. Went to rehab.

Refused to get... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support, Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: My Ex wife hired an Au pair after the divorce without consulting me and now she wants me to pay for it, Florida

Our schedule is 50/50 the first 15 days of the month Ive the kids and the remaining she have them, I don't need child care during my time because I'm off from work but she wants the child care calculated on the 100% for the au pair fee which is $1700 a month also I don't have access... View More

Linda Liang
Linda Liang
answered on Apr 7, 2024

Parenting plan in divorce matter usually address the actual amount needed when it comes to child support. I am curious as to how you are forced to pay for service you do not agree to. You can refuse to pay for the service if it is beyond the arrangement of your divorce decree.

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody, Child Support and Domestic Violence for Florida on
Q: To what extent will it hurt my case if I have dv records (1)from my current wife that were dropped ??

.

Terrence H Thorgaard
Terrence H Thorgaard
answered on Apr 6, 2024

If it goes to trial, you will need to have witnesses to the DV incident or incidents, Records from cases that was dismissed are hearsay and therefore not admissible.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support for Florida on
Q: Can they take $753 dollars out of my SSI check of $942 for back child support.
Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Apr 2, 2024

There is a percentage limit on what can be taken from your net disposable monthly income, generally 50% for child support. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Juvenile Law and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Is there any Florida case law, that states when a court suspends a parent’s timesharing?

Is there any Florida case law, that states when a court suspends a parent’s timesharing that, they are not held to this statue and are not required to pay 100% child support to the other parent. This parent cannot exercise their timesharing because the courts suspended it, it's not that the... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Mar 29, 2024

The short answer is NO. Although child support and timesharing are interrelated, a suspension of timesharing does not suspend a child support obligation. The financial obligation is ongoing pursuant to the court order unless and until it is changed. Speak with a local family lawyer for more... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Can a divorce be finalized without settling the division of all assets?

My spouse and I reached an agreement in mediation. However, since then he has proceeded to recant almost all of the terms agreed to. My fear is that he will continue to do this to prolong the divorce process.

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Mar 22, 2024

If you reached an agreement at mediation that was reduced to writing and that you both signed then it is binding on both of you. If he is not following the terms then you can return to court to enforce the issue. If you reached an agreement but did not write it down and sign it then there is no... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Divorce, Family Law and Child Support for Florida on
Q: I'm remarried, If I were to pass away, would my current wife be force to pay child support from my previous marriage?

I remarried in 2019 when my son, who lives with his mother in PR, was 12 years old. I live in Florida and I'm in perfect health but the question still arise. My son will be 18 this June and planning to go to college. I know that I need to pay child support most likely beyond him reaching 25... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Mar 19, 2024

The child support obligation is yours alone (not new wife) and will terminate on your death.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Escalating child support delinquency to a felony in the State of Florida?

Who enforces - local law enforcement or the Judge during a court case?

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Mar 11, 2024

Failure to pay child support is not a felony in Florida. It is generally not a crime at all. It is a matter in circuit civil court. Under certain circumstances you can be jailed for not paying but you must have the money available to pay prior to being jailed. Speak with a local family lawyer for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Florida on
Q: If I’m paying child support, but both recipients are over the age of 18 can I go to jail for not paying back child suppo
Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Mar 8, 2024

If you have a child support obligation then it can be enforced until it is paid, regardless of the age of the children. Regarding jail, there would have to be a motion for contempt and a finding that you have the ability to pay. You can only be jailed if you have "the keys to the cell."... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Florida on
Q: I am paying over $400.00month child support,yet I’m still only allowed 2hrs a week supervised,is there any recourse?

To sum things up my wife made false domestic violence allegations against me with no evidence of abuse, the courts were sympathetic to her and now I haven’t seen my daughter in 3 years, I don’t have a lot of money, Iv had to start over from scratch, I just want to see my daughter.

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Mar 5, 2024

You need to return to court to ask for more time with your child. The child support and the timesharing are not directly related. File a motion explaining your reasons for wanting more time. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Florida on
Q: My ex stopped paying alimony & didn't modify anything with court 1 yr 3m ago under his own will.

Because of a trial live in boyfriend of four months. That relationship ended after four months which was a year ago now. That ex only zelled money for rent inconsistently. Nothing else. My ex said he doesn't have to pay alimony any more because I was in a supportive relationship. I... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Mar 4, 2024

You need to return to court on a motion for enforcement and contempt. Your brief supportive relationship by itself did not automatically alter the alimony obligation. You are still owed alimony and child support if that is what the current court order says. Unless and until there is a different... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support, Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: How to get child support before filing divorce

Husband and I have one child together, married 14 years. Separated due to husband bad bipolar behavior. He took me off of health and dental insurance, without me knowing.

I need child support while Separated. What do I need to do?

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Mar 4, 2024

You can file a Petition for Support Unconnected with Dissolution of Marriage with Dependent or Minor Child(ren). There is a free form available online12.904(a)(1) This addresses your specific situation where you are separated but not divorcing (at this time). Speak with a local family lawyer for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Can back child support be stopped if my ex goes to fed prison?

I have paid back support for years to my ex for my youngest son. He is now going to be in a federal prison for life. My oldest son and I are moving my youngest son from Ocala to Jacksonville with my granddaughter. We have bought food for the household because there was no income coming in the... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Feb 26, 2024

This answer is based on Florida law.

First, a stoppage is not automatic. You can file a motion with the court that issued the child support order explaining why the arrearage is no longer necessary. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Florida on
Q: What happens if the non-custodial parent moves to Puerto Rico to avoid paying child support in FL?

He doesn't own a vehicle nor does he have a driver's license

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Feb 18, 2024

The child support obligation will continue to accrue like any other debt. At some point you can return to court and get a judgment against the obligor (the one who owes). Unfortunately you are correct that if the payor never has money or traceable income it will be difficult to collect.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Is there any recourse for noninvolved biological parent paying child support?

Father learned child existed when age 2 or 3. Paternity confirmed and support judgement put in place. Usually taken from paychecks. Father has not ever seen, met or provided any coparenting for child. Mother moved out of state. Since being unemplyed payment stopped, driver's license... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Feb 13, 2024

The short answer is that there is no way for you to get completely out of your child support obligation. You can definitely return to court and ask to have your drivers license reinstated. You can ask the court for a modification if you are not already paying the minimum. The court will not allow... View More

2 Answers | Asked in Civil Litigation, Child Support and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Can my wages be garnished if I am a 1099 employee making less than 750 per week. My gross was 33K and AGI is 21K for 23

I am also a stage 4 cancer patient with two children living with me ages 16 and 14

Barry W. Kaufman
Barry W. Kaufman
answered on Feb 9, 2024

The creditor is entitled to a garnishment. In Florida, the debtor has exemptions to the garnishment action, which the debtor must declare and prove at a hearing on those exemptions. If a garnishment action is filed, the action is directed to the debtor's employer, who must immediately withhold... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Is he required to continue child support agreed through mediation until we get accurate information?

We had mediation for time sharing and child support my income was more than half less than what mediator put I vacated the order.

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Feb 8, 2024

Both parties are required to follow any court orders that are in place. If you had the child support order set aside then there is no specific obligation. However, when child support is established there will be a retroactive component owed. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Me and my wife ex-wife agreed to terminate child support because my son is 29 years old what form do I need to have her

Fill out and what does procedure for filing it

Rand Scott Lieber
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answered on Feb 7, 2024

You need a written agreement from your former spouse waiving the outstanding balance. Then you can file the agreement with a motion to terminate child support. You need to file with the court that issued your current child support order. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

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