Nothing is more important than our children. Raising them requires large amounts of attention. Just as important is the fact that raising kids also requires financial resources. Unfortunately there are times when the other parent may not want to pay their fair share of what it costs to provide food, clothing, shelter, school supplies, and more for your young one. Florida, like other states, has laws in place which require both parents to contribute financially. Our Melbourne child support lawyer assists parents with making sure that a fair and adequate amount is paid by the non-custodial parent. Call our office today to speak with an attorney.
Melbourne family law attorney ensuring that the Florida child support guidelines are properly applied
Courts order that support payments be made as part of a child custody order. Florida’s child support guidelines will be applied when determining the amount to be paid. These guidelines lay out a table which determines the amount of the payment. If the paying parent’s income falls within a certain range then they will pay the support amount which applies to that range. If the parent’s have an equal custodial time share (otherwise known as joint custody) then the Court will calculate the amount due from each parent and offset them. This results in the higher earning parent paying a reduced amount of support to the other. These guidelines make Florida’s support laws more objective than what is found in some other states.
It is important to know that support is based on the paying parent’s monthly income. This is different than gross monthly income. When calculating the amount of the paying parent’s income the Court will start with what they gross and subtract things such as mandatory union dues, mandatory retirement payments, support paid for other children, alimony, and several other monthly payments. This means that when calculating one’s income it is important to ensure that they are not hiding income which they gross each month and that they actually pay expenses which they claim to have.
Lindsey Gardner Shneyder is a Melbourne child support attorney ensuring that parents pay their fair share. Once your case has begun, she will immediately begin gathering evidence of income through the discovery process. This evidence can include pay stubs, bank records, business receipts, tax returns, as well as other documentation. She will request temporary support from the Court while the case is proceeding and will aggressively represent you at trial to ensure that the amount to be paid is appropriate. Lindsey understands the seriousness of raising children and she will take your case seriously. Call our lawyer today.
If you are worried about child support then you do not need the added concern of how you will pay for your attorney. Our firm handles most matters for an affordable flat fee. This means you know what your representation will cost and that you will not be hit with a large bill every month. We are also able to accept modified payment plans in most matters. We also service clients in the Brevard County cities of Titusville, Cocoa, Palm Bay, Grant, Valkaria, and Rockledge, as well as in the Indian River County areas of Fellsmere, Sebastian, Vero Beach, Indian River Shores, and Orchid.
Lawyer assisting Melbourne residents with child support modifications
In addition to initial determinations, our lawyer also handles cases in which Melbourne residents require a child support modification. One may need to change the ordered amount of child support due to income going up, going down, or due to other circumstances. If you find that you need to change the amount you pay or receive each month then contact us today.