Offering clear guidance and strong advocacy in child support matters to ensure fair arrangements that protect your child’s well-being.
Child support is every child’s right in Florida and every parent’s responsibility regardless of their marital status. This court-ordered obligation is a significant factor in divorce and paternity cases. Many times, the parents of a child have a tumultuous relationship or no relationship at all. Sparrow & Fairchild, Attorneys at Law, is an experienced and dedicated family law practice. Attorney Jimmie Sparrow and Attorney Lee Fairchild understand the legal issues and family dynamics involved in child support matters. They represent parents in matters of mediation, litigation, modification, and enforcement of child support.
Florida utilizes an Income Shares Model for calculating child support payments. It is a formula based on the parents’ incomes and the number of overnight visits a child has with the non-custodial parent. Expenses covered by child support payments include:
Housin
Clothing
Food
Daycare costs
Medical care
Educational expenses
Activities
Additional expenses to meet the child’s needs
Failure to pay child support has very harsh consequences and is governed by the Florida Department of Revenue. Non-compliant parents can be found in contempt of court, and penalties may include jail time.
Non-payment of child support for four consecutive months or having more than $2,500 past due constitutes a felony charge. Additional sanctions may include:
A judge determines equitable distribution on a case-by-case basis, considering factors such as:
Child support can be modified under Florida child support law when there is a permanent, substantial, and involuntary lifestyle change for either parent or the child. Examples include:
Either parent can request a modification by filing a Supplemental Petition to Modify Child Support. Generally, court-ordered modifications do not affect payments in arrears, so it’s recommended to file for a modification as soon as a significant change occurs.
One objective of this federally mandated legislation is to allow Florida courts to have jurisdiction over out-of-state parents regarding child support payments. Florida’s child support laws apply in enforcement and modification proceedings, even when a parent has moved across state lines.
Interstate enforcement mechanisms include:
We understand the complexities and nuances of Florida child support laws. Through mediation or litigation services, we aggressively advocate for fair child support arrangements in the best interests of your child. We work diligently to create practical, creative, and workable solutions for our clients to fulfill child support obligations.
We represent either the recipient or the payor seeking assistance with alimony issues. We represent clients in Marion, Citrus, Lake, Sumter, and Alachua Counties, Florida.
