Best Child Support Lawyers in Coral Springs
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List of the best lawyers in Coral Springs, United States
United States Child Support Legal Questions answered by Lawyers
Browse our 1 legal question about Child Support in United States and read the lawyer answers, or ask your own questions for free.
- Child support laws
- If my annual salary is 4 million pesos my wife's salary is 240,000 pesos, and she lives in Rizal, how much will I pay in child support for one child?
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Lawyer answer by Rana Fazal Muhammad Law Associates
it is the discretionary power of the court to determine the amount for the support of your child, it is not fixed amount
Read full answer
About Child Support Law in Coral Springs, United States
In Coral Springs, Florida, child support is a legal obligation designed to ensure a child's financial needs are met. The state uses a formal set of guidelines to calculate support amounts based on the parents' incomes and the child's needs. Payments are typically managed through the State Disbursement Unit to ensure timely and traceable transfers.
Key parts of the framework come from the Florida Statutes and the state Department of Revenue, which administers the child support program. The process covers initial orders, modifications as circumstances change, and enforcement if payments fall behind. Local courts in Broward County handle matters for Coral Springs, guided by statewide rules and procedures.
Understanding how the system works in Coral Springs helps you prepare for petitions, hearings, or changes to an existing order. For exact guidance, consult a Florida family law attorney who knows Broward County practices and the Florida child support framework.
Florida child support guidelines are codified to reflect income, health insurance costs, day care, and other child related expenses and are administered by the Florida Department of Revenue.See the Florida Department of Revenue and Florida Court resources for up to date rules and forms.
Official resources to begin with include the Florida Department of Revenue’s Child Support Program and the Broward County Clerk of Courts Family Court information. These sources explain how payments are calculated, processed, and enforced in Coral Springs and surrounding communities.
For trusted, current information, you can also review federal guidance on child support enforcement through the Office of Child Support Enforcement, which supports state level programs nationwide.
Useful official sources include:
- Florida Department of Revenue - Child Support Program
- Broward County Clerk of Courts - Family Court Resources
- Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Why You May Need a Lawyer
Navigation of child support issues in Coral Springs often benefits from skilled legal counsel. Here are real world scenarios where a lawyer can help you achieve a fair outcome.
- A parent loses employment or has a significant income reduction and needs a modification of the support order in Broward County courts. An attorney can help prepare documentation, negotiate with the other party, and file timely modification petitions.
- One parent plans a relocation with the child from Coral Springs to another state and needs to seek or contest a relocation order that affects child support and custody arrangements.
- You suspect income is being underreported or imputed in a way that artificially lowers monthly support. A lawyer can request a review, gather financial disclosures, and pursue an audit or forensic review as needed.
- Payments have stopped or are inconsistent, and you need enforcement through wage withholding, license suspension, or passport actions. An attorney can pursue enforcement remedies and protect the child’s interests.
- You need to establish paternity to obtain support for a child born out of wedlock in Coral Springs, or to resolve related custody and support questions.
- You want to modify not only the amount but also ancillary costs such as health insurance, day care, or extraordinary educational expenses tied to the child’s needs.
Local Laws Overview
Coral Springs residents fall under Florida law as applied in Broward County. The core rules for child support come from statewide statutes and administrative guidance, with local court procedures shaping how cases are filed and heard in the 17th Judicial Circuit (Broward County).
The primary statutes and framework include:
- Florida Statutes Chapter 61 - Dissolution of Marriage and related child support provisions. This is the overarching family law framework that governs how custody, alimony and support are determined in divorce and paternity cases. Local court rules in Broward County implement these provisions in practice.
- Florida Statutes Section 61.30 - Child Support Guidelines - Sets the formula for calculating child support amounts, including contributions for health insurance and childcare costs. The guidelines are applied to determine a presumptively correct amount in most cases handled in Coral Springs and across Florida.
- Florida Statutes Chapter 409 (Public Welfare) and related Child Support Enforcement Provisions - Establishes the state level enforcement framework and the role of the Department of Revenue in administering the Child Support Program, including collections and disbursements through the State Disbursement Unit (SDU).
In Coral Springs, enforcement and payment processing are coordinated through the SDU and Broward County family courts, following statewide rules. For official guidance, consult these resources directly:
Recent trends include periodic updates to the guidelines to reflect changes in federal poverty guidelines and to adjust for child care and health insurance costs. See the Florida Department of Revenue guidance for current practice and forms. These updates affect how orders are calculated and may influence modification petitions filed in Coral Springs courts.
For a broader perspective, the federal Office of Child Support Enforcement provides national context and supports state programs with best practices for enforcement and cooperation between parents.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the basic purpose of child support in Florida?
The purpose is to ensure a child's financial needs are met after separation or divorce. The amount is calculated using statewide guidelines that consider income, health insurance, and childcare costs.
How do I start a child support case in Coral Springs?
Begin by filing a petition with the Broward County Clerk of Courts. The Florida Department of Revenue may assist with enforcement, and a lawyer can help prepare documents and represent you in court.
When can I modify an existing child support order?
You can request a modification if there is a substantial change in income, employment, or the child’s needs. A modification petition must typically show the change and be filed with the court that issued the original order.
Where are child support payments sent in Florida?
Payments are made through the State Disbursement Unit and can be tracked by both parents. The SDU collects and distributes funds to ensure timely payments.
How much does child support cost and how is it calculated?
Costs are based on the Florida Child Support Guidelines in 61.30, which consider combined parental income, number of children, and allowable expenses such as health insurance and childcare.
Do I need a lawyer to handle a child support case in Coral Springs?
A lawyer is strongly advised. They can navigate Broward County procedures, advocate for your interests, and help with modifications or enforcement actions.
How long does a child support modification or enforcement take in Broward County?
Timelines vary by case load and complexity, but initial filings can take several weeks to months to reach a hearing, depending on court availability and whether consent orders are possible.
Can I relocate with my child while a support order is in place?
Relocation requires court approval or a specific relocation provision in the order. An attorney can help present a plan and arguments to support or contest relocation.
Is paternity required to obtain or modify child support?
Paternity establishes the parental duty of support. In contested cases, genetic testing or acknowledged paternity may be pursued through the court or the Department of Revenue.
What happens if the other parent stops paying child support?
Enforcement options include wage garnishment, withholding tax refunds, suspension of professional or driver's licenses, and in some cases, penalties or interest on overdue amounts.
What costs besides base support can be included in a Florida order?
Orders can include health insurance premiums, unreimbursed medical expenses, child care costs, and, in some cases, education expenses and transportation costs.
Do I qualify for child support if I am a single parent in Coral Springs?
Qualification depends on parental status, income, and the child’s needs. A Florida family law attorney can determine eligibility and help file for support if appropriate.
Additional Resources
These official resources provide authoritative guidance and forms for child support matters in Coral Springs and Florida more broadly.
- Florida Department of Revenue - Child Support Program: Administers the state child support program, processes payments, and handles enforcement and modifications. Visit site
- Broward County Clerk of Courts - Family Court: Local court information, filing instructions, and scheduling related to child support cases in the 17th Judicial Circuit. Visit site
- Office of Child Support Enforcement (OCSE) - U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Federal program overview and national context for child support enforcement. Visit site
Next Steps
- Gather all relevant documents such as income verification, tax returns, existing court orders, and proof of health insurance coverage for the child.
- Identify a Florida-licensed family law attorney with experience in Broward County child support matters and request an initial consultation.
- Prepare questions for the attorney focused on modification, enforcement, or establishment of support, and bring all documents to the meeting.
- Schedule a consultation and obtain a clear understanding of fees, timeline, and potential outcomes for your case.
- Decide, with the attorney, whether to pursue mediation or go directly to court for a modification or enforcement action.
- File the necessary petitions with the Broward County Clerk of Courts and cooperate with any required financial disclosures or court orders.
- Monitor the case regularly, respond promptly to court deadlines, and maintain records of all payments and communications with the other parent.
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Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.
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