Child Support is a monthly payment usually sent from the parent with less time-sharing to the parent exercising more time-sharing. According to Florida child support laws, child support is calculated by a statutory formula that takes into consideration each parent’s income, time-sharing, and health insurance and daycare expenses. Other payments in the nature of child support are sometimes ordered, such as travel expenses for visitation, uncovered medical expenses and private school tuition. Hiring West Palm Beach divorce lawyers with a solid grasp of Florida child support guidelines can impact how your child (or children) and you live your lives for years to come.
How long will I pay/receive child support?
Child support is paid until such time as the minor child reaches the age of 18, dies, marries, enters the military service or leaves the household and becomes self-supportive. However, if a minor child is in good faith attempting to obtain a high school diploma, the child support shall continue until such time as the minor child graduates from high school with a reasonable expectation of graduation before the child’s 19th birthday. If the child is disabled, parents may be required to pay child support indefinitely
Is child support taxable or deductible for income tax purposes?
Child support payments are neither taxable to the recipient nor deductible by the payor on their tax return. Additionally, if your alimony payment includes an element of child support, the child support portion of the payment is not taxable on your tax return.
What happens if I don’t receive my child support?
There are various options for you to consider if you are not receiving your support. The Court can hold a parent in contempt for non-payment of support; the Court can order imprisonment; the Court can order direct payments from the obligor’s paycheck; or the Court can suspend an obligor’s driver’s license, vehicle registration or passport.
What if I cannot pay my child support?
If you cannot pay your child support and there is a valid reason for your non-compliance, it is best to take a proactive approach and seek relief from the Court before your situation becomes troublesome. You can seek a modification of your support, you can seek an abatement (temporary moratorium and/or reduction) of your support obligation or we can advise you on how to take steps to help prevent your imprisonment or the suspension of your driver’s license, vehicle registration, or passport
Is there a limit to the number of times a divorce settlement can be modified?
No. As long as the provisions of the settlement are subject to modification, upon a proper showing of a change in circumstance it may be modified by the Court. As with most settlements, if the parties are in agreement, the terms of the agreement can be modified voluntarily.