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Florida Child Support Questions & Answers
1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Support for Florida on
Q: The court reserved jurisdiction on child support in Florida, after my exes motion to relocate was denied.

In the original dissolution my ex and I had 50/50 time sharing. She filed a motion to relocate with the kids and it was denied and I was given majority custody as she had already moved. I was paying her $450 a month in the 50/50 situation. This was about 3 years ago. A ruling on child support never... View More

Pamela J. Fero
Pamela J. Fero
answered on Jan 23, 2025

If you had majority custody after her move and there was no ruling on child support after the custody change, your ex-wife would not have grounds to pursue back child support for this period because child support obligations would normally align with the custody arrangement. Consult with a lawyer... View More

3 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for Florida on
Q: I’m going through a divorce after 15 years of marriage, and I have some questions about how to navigate it.

Custody and Support:

We’ve agreed on 50/50 custody of our 14-year-old son, with him living with me during the week and alternating weekends. My husband offered $150/week in child support directly to our son and will cover health insurance and extracurriculars. Is this acceptable?... View More

Kunal Mirchandani
Kunal Mirchandani
answered on Jan 20, 2025

While the timesharing arrangement proposed appears to be in your best interest, a critical review of the financial distribution plan is essential. At this juncture, it's impossible to ascertain whether the proposed financial settlement is equitable. A complete and transparent disclosure of all... View More

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3 Answers | Asked in Divorce, Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for Florida on
Q: I’m going through a divorce after 15 years of marriage, and I have some questions about how to navigate it.

Custody and Support:

We’ve agreed on 50/50 custody of our 14-year-old son, with him living with me during the week and alternating weekends. My husband offered $150/week in child support directly to our son and will cover health insurance and extracurriculars. Is this acceptable?... View More

Joe Benson
Joe Benson
answered on Jan 20, 2025

As to the five topics you referenced (Custody & Support, Financial matters, Alimony, Life Insurance & Car, and Legal protection), you are free to enter into any agreement you like that addresses these topics. But beware, once you agree to the terms you are bound by them and cannot cry... View More

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4 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Tax Law, Business Law and Child Support for Florida on
Q: If the father of a child has his own small business (LLC), does his monthly business expenses count toward his income?

Or does a certain percentage count? He pays himself very little and writes off everything thought the company such as car, insurance, phone, etc including our dinners when we used to go out. Is there a Florida law regarding this?

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on Jan 3, 2025

Your question is a little complicated but the short answer is yes, anything that reduces his normal living expenses counts as income, regardless of whether he writes it off as a business expense. Speak with a local family lawyer for more specific advice.

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4 Answers | Asked in Family Law, Tax Law, Business Law and Child Support for Florida on
Q: If the father of a child has his own small business (LLC), does his monthly business expenses count toward his income?

Or does a certain percentage count? He pays himself very little and writes off everything thought the company such as car, insurance, phone, etc including our dinners when we used to go out. Is there a Florida law regarding this?

Erik A. Perez
Erik A. Perez
answered on Jan 3, 2025

This is a good question to also ask your accountant. The answer may depend also on whether the LLC is taxed as an S-corporation. Generally, if the LLC is an S-corporation (many are), the owners will be taxed according to the salary that is paid and any distributions. The expenses of the company may... View More

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1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for Florida on
Q: Nolegal child custody established. Child lives with father full time and ex lives in canada. Need travel consent w/o ex

Father and child lives in the US and ex lives in Canada. Ex filed the divorce back in 2018 in Canada but since the child is living with father, Canadian court proceeded with divorce only as they do not have the jurisdiction over the child. She does not pay for a dime or child support as directed by... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on Dec 27, 2024

If you have or can get a certified copy of the Canadian divorce decree you can domesticate it (file with your local court and ask them to recognize it). Depending on the exact language regarding the child you may need to file a motion as well asking for sole parental responsibility and authority to... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: 2 yrs ago my wife filled in NJ, we both now live in Florida-case still open. Is FL or NJ better for child support?

We filled for divorce 2 years ago in NJ. My wife moved to FL 1.5 years ago, although there is no written agreement to allow this. I now also live in FL. Do we have to move the case to FL? Is FL a better state for me from a child support perspective or is NJ?

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on Dec 17, 2024

If the child has been living in Florida for more than six months then NJ will probably not accept jurisdiction anymore, meaning that they may divorce you but they will not address children's issues because the child does not live there anymore. I cannot advise you on NJ child support law.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support and Family Law for Florida on
Q: I’m in a custody battle with my child’s father. I currently have a boyfriend and would like to move in with him

He owns his own home and is a business owner. He loves my child as it’s his own. I’m living in a house right now that was flooded during a hurricane and it’s a current construction zone. I’d love to move in with him so my child can be safe and have a family environment. Am I able too while... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on Dec 6, 2024

The court will always look at the best interests of the child. As long as you are doing what is best for your child (as opposed to what is best for you) then you should be alright. Just be prepared to explain the the court why you moved and how it was better for the child. Speak with a local family... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Probate for Florida on
Q: When I sell my dad home he's deceased. Can child support in NY take areas owed by my brother and it affect my 50%.

Can my brother also sign a document giving me total 100%

James Clifton
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James Clifton
answered on Dec 5, 2024

Child support services cannot take your portion of the inheritance. If it is not too late, your brother can renounce his portion of the inheritance leaving you as the only owner of the property. In that case, child support services would have nothing to go after. A renunciation needs to be filed... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Support for Florida on
Q: With Florida statute 61.1255 codifying adult disabled child support, would this be family law of guardianship?

I've tried asking a family law lawyer who said since the child is above 18, it becomes a guardianship issue. They gave me 3 guardianship lawyers. I called two and both said it would be family law. So I went to the FL child support website and called their number. They said child support is... View More

Kay-Ann  Waite
Kay-Ann Waite pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
answered on Nov 18, 2024

Generally child support issues fall within family law. However a case related to the disabled child must be filed before the age of 18 for the family law courts to have jurisdiction over the matter beyond the age of majority. So the question is, was there ever a case that was initiated that child... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Florida on
Q: I have a disagreement with the mother of my child. She demands that I pay her money for expenses related to our child

At this point in time we are in family court and as of yet I have not been ordered to pay child support. I am responsible for paying recurring expenses such as child care and medical expenses. She wants me to stop doing so and send her the money so that she may do so directly.

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on Nov 15, 2024

You do not mention if there is a court order or not. If there is a court order then you should do what it says. If not, how ever you choose to provide money, make sure that you keep clear records of the date and how much you paid. Without a court order, you decide what and how to pay. Speak with a... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law and Child Support for Florida on
Q: My child mother is trying to put me on child support she lives in PR and i live in FL

My child mother is trying to put me on child support when i already give her 400 a month . She lives in puerto rico and i live in florida. She does not let me see or speak to my child if i dont give her more then $400 and is always threatening to put me on child support of i do not send her more... View More

Pamela J. Fero
Pamela J. Fero
answered on Jul 11, 2024

Child support obligations and rights to child visitation are handled through legal channels and are enforceable across state lines and territories, including Puerto Rico, under the Uniform Interstate Family Support Act (UIFSA). UIFSA allows for cooperation between states and territories in the... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Florida on
Q: Can my ex wife move from her residence taking our daughter without telling me?

I do not believe she moved out of state . I do not know where they are, I've asked to see our daughter but they come up with an excuse for me not to show up at the residence. They don't know that I know they moved. They keep lying to me. The ex wife has our daughter lying to me about where they are.

Pamela J. Fero
Pamela J. Fero
answered on Jul 11, 2024

According to Florida statutes, a parent cannot relocate more than 50 miles from their current residence for more than 60 consecutive days without the consent of the other parent or a court order. This applies to moves within the state as well as out of state. For the parent wishing to move, there... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support, Family Law and Workers' Compensation for Florida on
Q: How do I get money back from the department of revenue that was taken in a workman's compensation settlement via a lien

They state made a clerical error claiming I owed child support on a child I had full custody of. When I received my settlement the state had claimed I owed 13000 and took half the money even though I never owed it.

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on Jun 24, 2024

You will probably need to file a motion with the court that issued the child support order to get your money back. Once the order is signed by the judge you can then present it to the agency that is holding your money. Of course, first try to work directly with the agency to get the refund.... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Family Law, Child Custody and Child Support for Florida on
Q: My wife has 2 children from a previous marriage. We want to move to Orlando. Her ex doesn't work and pays for none of

The kids Insurance or extracurricular activities. My family, her family, and even his family live in the Orlando area. They have 50/50 time with the kids. We have no idea how he pays his bills as he hasn't worked In over a year. What do we have to do to force him to let us move.

Pamela J. Fero
Pamela J. Fero
answered on Jun 3, 2024

Try to talk with the kids' dad. Since you all have ties to Orlando, he might see the move as beneficial too. If he agrees, that's good! Just be sure to get that agreement in writing. If he’s not on board or things are a bit tricky, then you might need to petition the court for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support and Family Law for Florida on
Q: how can i acquire about child support arrears being modified

my case was established in 1996, the amount ordered was and is above my means, this was never based on my income or anything because I foolishly signed a paper from my ex. At the time I was a waitress making $2.01 an hour with a eight grade education. In the past before modern day tech I was... View More

Rand Scott Lieber
Rand Scott Lieber
answered on May 7, 2024

You need to file a motion with the last court that handled the child support order asking to modify or terminate the obligation. Based on your question that appears to be Mississippi. It would also help if the other parent is willing to cooperate with you and say that they are no longer asking for... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Custody, Child Support, Divorce and Family Law for Florida on
Q: do i have to pay child support?

Wife and i are getting a nocontested divorce. we have kids. we are sharing custody 50/50. the kids stay with me every other day. I know that it florida child support is based off visitation with the other parent. If they live with me literally every other day, and every weekend does that mean i... View More

Pamela J. Fero
Pamela J. Fero
answered on Apr 22, 2024

When joint custody is involved and parenting time is equally divided, child support is determined primarily by the financial resources of the parents. Although it’s uncommon for no child support to be mandated, it can happen under certain conditions, such as if the custody is shared 50/50 and... View More

1 Answer | Asked in Child Support, Social Security and Family Law 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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James L. Arrasmith pro label Lawyers, want to be a Justia Connect Pro too? Learn more ›
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

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.

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