Winter Park Child Support Lawyer

Child support is a court-ordered obligation that helps ensure the needs of children are met by those responsible for them. Because calculating child support can be complicated, it is important to work with an experienced Winter Park child support lawyer to ensure the calculation is done correctly and friction between co-parents is reduced. At the Law Firm of Anthony Diaz, our dedicated team of family attorneys understands the child support process because we help everyday families every day navigate the process with peaceful solutions. 

How Is Child Support Calculated?

Child support is calculated using the child support guidelines designated by the state of Florida. When determining child support, the parents’ gross wages will be used, which includes all 

• Wages
• Bonuses
• Interest
• Pensions
• Disability payments
• Self-employment earnings 
• Spousal support payments

Deductions, including taxes, Social Security, retirement, and health insurance premiums, will also be considered in these calculations. 

The total number of children will also affect the total support paid. The more children involved, the higher the support payments will be for the paying parent. The amount of time each parent spends with the children will also impact the total child support owed. Typically, the more time a parent spends with the child, the lower their obligation will be. 

Once this information is gathered, a Child Support Worksheet is completed to determine the total child support obligation owed and filed with a state court. An experienced child support lawyer in Winter Park could ensure that all necessary documentation is collected to complete your worksheet and keep your family on track.

Will the Court Allow a Deviation?

When calculating child support, a deviation from the standard calculations may occur at a court’s discretion to either increase or decrease the amount because of extenuating circumstances. A judge may order a deviation of up to 5% if they find the calculated amount is inappropriate without extensive reasoning. If the deviation is greater than 5%, the court must specifically address why the deviation is being granted. 

A deviation of greater than 5% may be given if a child has special needs, such as exceptional medical, dental, or educational requirements. If one parent’s income is insufficient to meet the child’s needs, a larger deviation may also be granted. If there are special travel needs that must be met for one parent to exercise their parenting time, that could also be grounds for deviation. A knowledgeable child support attorney could assist in determining if a deviation is available for your specific circumstance to avoid contention before filing with a Winter Park court.

What is a Child Support Modification?

When income or circumstances change, a parent may need to request that the court modify their child support obligation. To request a modification of child support, the parent wanting the modification must show that there has been a substantial change in circumstances. 

The substantial change must be involuntary, significant, and a permanent change in the parent’s financial situation. A parent may have lost a job and is making less money, or has retained a new position and is making substantially more. Another reason to request a modification is if there is a change in the needs of the child, such as a change in medical care or daycare costs. 

If a custody plan has changed or a child has turned 18 or graduated, a modification may also be requested. Our compassionate child support attorneys could discuss all possible reasons for requesting a modification in Winter Park.   

Let a Winter Park Lawyer Answer All Your Questions About Child Support

Child support is a court-ordered obligation to ensure both parents are contributing financially to raising a child. Child support helps pay for food, clothing, housing, and school expenses. An experienced Winter Park child support lawyer could assist you in navigating the child support process.

At the Law Firm of Anthony Diaz, we are known as peacemakers, and we understand that the child support process can be complex and contentious. We could help ensure that a child support agreement is fair for both you and your co-parent and provides the child with the necessary support. Contact our team today to discuss your child support issues.