Child Support in Fort Myers, FL

What Is Child Support?

Child support is a financial obligation that a parent has to pay to support her or his child. This continues as they age and mature. Are you the parent who has custody of your son or daughter currently? If so, then the court will assume that the child receives full financial support while residing in your residence.

However, if your child does not live in your house and she or he is not currently under your custody, the court may require you to pay child support to the custodial parent. The Lee County Family Court currently has jurisdiction over these types of issues for parents living in Fort Myers.

In , Florida this means that you have to make payments to the custodial parent until your child reaches adulthood. There are other situations where you may only have to make payments until the courts have legally declared your child as emancipated or your daughter or son goes into military active duty. Keep in mind that if your child has special needs, there may be a requirement that you have to make child support payments past the legal age of adulthood.

Terminating Rights

Do you wonder if you can terminate your parental rights and not pay child support? Most states will not allow a parent to do this and cease support unless certain requirements are met. There may be some situations where a court terminates financial responsibilities if both parents agree that one party no longer has to provide financial support to their shared son or daughter. One situation where a parent may be able to terminate her or his responsibility to child support is if someone else, like a stepparent, adopts the child.

Florida legislation allows a judge to revoke parental rights due to incarceration, felonies, or evidence of abuse. In some cases, parents in Fort Myers may come to this arrangement due to deficiencies, mental illness, or long-term addiction. While you may keep some rights later, having this type of legal action in your past can result in a denial of petitions for visitation or custody later.

Do you believe that the other parent has violated your rights to receive child support? Then get immediate legal help from an experienced Fort Myers lawyer on standby in your area who can help you fight for your child’s right to financial stability.

How a Fort Myers, Florida Child Support Attorney Can Help You

If you constantly struggle to get the other parent to pay, hiring a lawyer can help you learn about your available options and guide you on the best decision for your son or daughter.

Many people struggle with parents who refuse to pay. Hiring an experienced and dedicated lawyer will bring you professional help while navigating the legal system. Additionally, you may also have an easier time getting the money your child needs and deserves to better ensure a stable childhood.

Parents in Fort Myers can start an application through the Florida Department of Revenue either online, over the phone, or by mail. State officials will let you know when your case is open or they need additional information. Once payments get assigned to a parent, the Florida State Disbursement Unit takes charge of managing funds.

Whether you look to receive child support payments as a part of an agreed-upon divorce settlement or you are not married and look to receive financial support, hiring a legal professional in Fort Myers with a background in child support can help to streamline the entire process. Without the help of a legal advocate, the cost of living can quickly drain your bank account and involve traumatic experiences for your unsupported children.

Working with an attorney can help you to:

• Establish paternity
• Answer a child support petition
• File a petition for support
• Request a child support order
• Explain the tax consequences that come with a child support order
• Work with the other parent to reach an agreement
• Represent you in court
• Locate the other parent
• Subpoena the other parent’s financial information
• Prove income
• Determine any factors that a court will look at to calculate how much is owed
• Educate you on the available child support enforcement options
• Give you an estimate of how much financial support you may receive from the other parent

Do you believe that you deserve to receive payment from the other parent or that you are not receiving a sufficient amount? If you have to answer, yes, then make every effort to avoid missing what your kid deserves. Work with a dedicated Fort Myers, Florida lawyer who fights for your rights as well as your child’s rights.

Information to Share With Your Lawyer

As you work with your lawyer, make sure you share proper documentation to better ensure that you can properly proceed with your case in Fort Myers. The information that you need to share with your attorney includes:

• Check stubs for the last two years or more if applicable
• Outstanding debts
• A change in debt, such as filing for bankruptcy
• Paternity records
• Adoption records
• Previous child support payment records
• Bonds, stocks or any retirement account records
• Tax return records
• Purchase of sale records for a home, land or any other type of assets
• Any child support forms that you have

The Florida Department of Revenue looks at 3 critical elements as part of its guidelines. First, what is the gross income of the parents? Second, what are the potential health and child care expenses? Finally, what is the child or children’s standard of need?

While these factors are significant when determining child support, a judge can look at any relevant facts about the case. The percentage of contributions and current arrangements can steeply drive the conversation. However, nothing outweighs protecting the best interests of children living in Fort Myers.

Work with an Experienced Local Lawyer in Fort Myers, Florida

Are you facing a costly and emotional child support battle? Talk to a Fort Myers attorney equipped to help you in this delicate situation. Call now or fill out the simple form below to take steps to protect your children’s interests. Learn more about your child support law options below.

One of our expert Fort Myers attorneys will help to navigate you through the legal system to get you the money you and your kid should have. We can even help you connect with an attorney across Florida state lines.

Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!