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In Jacksonville, United States, child support laws are primarily focused on ensuring the welfare of the child involved. The income, expenses, and needs of both parents are generally taken into account when determining child support. Every child has the legal right to receive financial support from both parents and child support is designed to cover general expenses like food, clothing, and housing, along with school fees, medical costs, and other miscellaneous expenses.
Disputes over child support often accompany separation, divorce, or other parental legal disputes. When the question of custody and visitation rights arise, or in situations where a parent refuses to pay the stipulated child support, having a legal expert on your side can be crucial. A lawyer can help you navigate the complexities of the law, negotiate terms, collect back child support if it is overdue, and represent you in court, if necessary.
In Jacksonville, child support amounts are typically calculated using a model called the Income Shares Method. Both parents' net incomes are combined and then divided proportionally based on the individual incomes of each parent. The law also mandates an official child support order to be issued by the court, which outlines the terms of child support, and it is legally enforceable.
A parent who fails to pay child support can face significant legal penalties such as fines, wage garnishments, restriction on their licenses, and even jail time.
Child support payments can be modified with a significant change in circumstances such as substantial increase or decrease in either parent's income, or significant changes in the needs of the child.
No, visitation rights and child support are separate issues under the law. Visitation should not be denied due to non-payment of child support.
Most child support orders in Jacksonville include provisions requiring both parents to share in the costs of childcare, medical expenses, and other significant expenses arising due to the child's needs.
In Florida, child support typically continues until the child turns 18, graduates from high school if the child is still in high school, or longer if the child has special needs.
The Jacksonville Child Support Services Program can offer support. It's a branch of the Florida Department of Revenue which provides assistance with child support enforcement. Legal Aid organizations such as Jacksonville Area Legal Aid can also provide free or low-cost legal advice and representation.
If you need legal assistance with child support in Jacksonville, it's recommended to consult with an experienced attorney who specializes in family law. Be prepared to provide all necessary documentation regarding income, expenses, and the needs of your child. If hiring a private attorney isn't feasible, reach out to local legal aid organizations for help.
