In Florida, both parents – not just the primary custodian – have an obligation to provide child support in the event of a divorce. Although Florida child support laws have been developed to provide essential guidance to help ensure support judgments are fair for all parties, the guidelines for determining fair support can be complicated and difficult to navigate, especially during a period of emotional stress. At Valkenburg Law Group, P.A., we’ve helped dozens of clients successfully develop child support arrangements that are fair to all parties and that focus squarely on the needs of the children.
Florida’s guidelines carefully consider a range of factors in determining support, including the parents’ incomes, provision of adequate health insurance, the age of the child, the expected standard of living and the time the child spends with each parent. All of these factors, and others, must be carefully balanced to ensure the rights of all parties are protected and fairly represented. Some factors – like the age of the child – may seem straightforward; but others – such as standard of living and ability to pay – can be more difficult to determine, especially in divorces that are more contentious. Even in the most amicable proceedings, without a knowledgeable attorney experienced in child support issues it’s easy for one party’s rights to be overlooked or diminished.
Developing an equitable and fair support case requires in-depth knowledge of all of the factors involved in determining support, as well as an understanding of what each factor includes. For instance, income is more than simply wages – it may also include investment income that can have a major impact on a support decision. Individuals seeking a fair support outcome need an attorney who has a complete understanding of Florida support guidelines to ensure the best outcome is achieved.
As divorce has become more common over the years, many law firms have adopted a standard, “one-size-fits-all” approach to divorce and child support issues. At Valkenburg Law Group P.A., we understand that every divorce is different and deserves the unique approach and attention required to ensure the best outcome for our clients.
Child support orders have a direct impact on the life and well-being of your child. Having an attorney experienced in protecting your rights – and the rights of your child – is critical to achieving a fair outcome and ensuring your child’s future is fully protected. The attorneys of Valkenburg Law Group, P.A. are here to help. Contact us today at 813-514-1058.