Naples Child Support Lawyer

Helping Parents in Collier & Lee Counties Do What Is Best for Their Children

Under Florida law, parents have the legal obligation to support their children. When a divorce occurs, there are guidelines set in place to ensure the protection of the rights of a child to receive financial support from both of his or her parents. The noncustodial parent of the child after divorce will be required to make child support payments to the custodial parent.

If you and your former spouse are having disagreements regarding child support payments, our Naples child support lawyers are ready and able to assist you. With offices in Naples and Cape Coral, we represent parents in Collier and Lee Counties who are on either side of a child support dispute. Our team understands that child support is an important issue for you, as it can have a significant impact on your child’s well being and your family finances.

How Is Child Support Calculated in Florida?

The state of Florida follows the “Income Shares Model,” which means that the court estimates the amount of money that parents would be spending on their children if the family was living together, and then splits this amount between the parents according to their incomes. In order to make this estimation, judges apply the parents’ net incomes, the number of children, and the amount of time each parent spends with the children to the current version of the Florida Child Support Guidelines.

What Is the Maximum Child Support in Florida?

Since child support in Florida is based on how much each parent makes, there is technically no maximum amount.

What Is Child Support Used For?

Child support payments are meant to help cover the costs of raising a child and are important to the child’s well being. A common misconception is that child support is only to be used to cover the basic necessities of a child. In reality, child support can be used for a variety of expenses.

Expenses that child support may be used for include:

• Basic needs of food, shelter, and clothing
• Childcare
• Basic medical care
• Extraordinary medical expenses
• Educational fees, supplies, books, etc.
• Extracurricular activities
• Entertainment
• College expenses
• Transportation/travel

It is also important to understand that child support payments do not have to go specifically to the child. Child support functions as a general-purpose reimbursement to cover the cost of living for households that have children.

Do You Have To Pay Child Support if You Have 50/50 Custody in Florida?

Parents are legally required to financially support their children, regardless of the custody arrangement. Even if custody is shared, the parent with the higher income will likely be required to pay child support in order to maintain the child’s standard of living.

Understanding Child Support in Naples and Cape Coral

In Naples and Cape Coral, navigating child support can be particularly challenging, especially for families facing financial strain or disputes. Local resources, such as the Collier County Government and the Lee County Government, provide valuable information and support for parents dealing with child support issues. These entities can help you understand your rights and responsibilities, as well as the resources available to assist you in your situation.

Many parents in our community express concerns about the adequacy of child support payments, especially in light of rising living costs in Southwest Florida. With the cost of housing, childcare, and education on the rise, it’s crucial to ensure that child support arrangements reflect the true needs of your family. Our team is familiar with the local economic landscape and can help you advocate for a fair assessment of your financial situation.

Additionally, we understand that disputes over child support can lead to emotional stress and uncertainty. Whether you are a custodial parent seeking support or a noncustodial parent facing payment challenges, we are here to help you navigate these complex issues. Our knowledge of local laws and regulations, combined with our commitment to your family's well-being, allows us to provide tailored guidance that addresses your specific needs.

By working with our Naples and Cape Coral child support attorneys, you can feel confident that you are taking the right steps to secure your child's future while also addressing your financial concerns. We are dedicated to helping families in Collier and Lee Counties find solutions that work for them.

Contact Family First Legal Group for Child Support Legal Guidance

Our knowledgeable Naples child support attorneys can walk you through everything you need to know about child support. Whether you are seeking child support or defending against it, we can help protect the rights of you and your child.

Related Reading:

• Requesting Retroactive Child Support Payments