Child support and timesharing issues are often emotionally and financially challenging. In Florida, where traditional custody no longer exists, timesharing arrangements play a central role in determining child support obligations. A knowledgeable child support attorney can guide you through this process—whether you’re establishing support, modifying an order, or seeking enforcement—ensuring your child’s needs remain the priority.
What Is a Child Support Order?
What Is a Child Support Order?A child support order is a court-issued document requiring one parent to provide financial support to help meet a child’s basic needs—such as housing, food, education, and healthcare. These orders are typically established during divorce or paternity cases and are based on:
- Each parent’s income
- The number of children
- The timesharing arrangement
- Any extraordinary expenses
A family law attorney ensures your child support order is accurate, enforceable, and tailored to your family’s circumstances.
The Role of a Child Support Attorney
A child support attorney helps you:
- Calculate support based on Florida’s guidelines
- Gather financial documentation and evidence
- Advocate during disputes or court hearings
- Modify support orders when circumstances change
- Enforce orders when a parent falls behind on payments
They can also work with forensic accountants or investigators when income is hidden or unclear, especially in cases involving self-employment or irregular income.
How Timesharing Affects Child Support
Florida law uses parenting plans and timesharing schedules instead of “custody.” The amount of time a child spends with each parent directly affects the support calculation.
If one parent has significantly more overnights, the other parent may owe a higher support amount. When timesharing changes—due to relocation, job changes, or other factors—a parent may request a modification to reflect the new timesharing arrangement.
Modifying Child Support
Life changes. So can your child support order. A substantial change in circumstances—such as job loss, a significant raise, changes in the child’s needs, or a shift in timesharing—may justify modifying support.
Your attorney will:
- Determine whether your situation qualifies
- File the correct legal petitions
- Represent you in negotiations or court
Enforcement: When Payments Stop
If a parent falls behind on child support, enforcement may be necessary. Legal remedies include:
- Wage garnishment
- Tax refund intercepts
- Property liens
- Contempt of court actions
A child support attorney can help you pursue enforcement so your child receives the support they’re owed.
Paternity and Support
Before support can be ordered, paternity may need to be legally established. A child support attorney can guide you through DNA testing and legal filings to ensure the correct parent is held accountable—or protected—from improper support claims.
Special Circumstances That Require Legal Help
Special Circumstances That Require Legal HelpCertain situations make child support cases more complex:
- Self-employed or underemployed parents
- Hidden assets or unclear income
- Children with special needs or unusual medical/educational expenses
- Parents living in different states
These cases benefit from experienced legal counsel to ensure accurate support determinations and compliance with Florida law.
Long-Term Considerations
Support generally ends when the child turns 18, but may continue if the child is still in high school or has special needs. However, back support (arrears) is still enforceable beyond age 18.
Why Choose Joseph M. Corey, Jr., P.A.
With over 40 years of experience in Florida family law, our firm:
- Establishes and modifies child support orders
- Creates and revises timesharing arrangements
- Assists with paternity cases
- Enforces unpaid support
- Provides skilled legal representation during mediations and hearings
We are committed to protecting your rights and ensuring that your child’s financial needs are met.
Schedule a Consultation
Whether you’re seeking to establish, modify, or enforce child support—or revise a timesharing plan—Joseph M. Corey, Jr., P.A. is here to help.