Ocala Child Support Lawyer

Helping You Navigate The Florida Family Law System

The Law Offices of Jorge Luis Colón, P.A., represents clients in all aspects of family law and divorce cases, including child support disputes and modifications. Our Florida law firm can help you navigate through the legal and emotional challenges that so often accompany such personal matters. It is important to have a lawyer represent your interests during these difficult times because the decisions made now can have profound and lasting consequences.

Child Support Enforcement Attorney In Gainesville

At our law firm, we are experienced with all issues regarding child support and child maintenance, and we can make sure that your parental rights are protected. All too often parents who want to avoid paying child support resort to tactics such as underreporting income, leaving their jobs or working below their earning capacity.

Conversely, some parents pay too much because no adjustment is made for substantial overnight visitation, payment of childcare costs or health insurance. It is important to have legal representation in child support matters so that the correct amount of child support is calculated.

Health Insurance And Childcare Expenses

Florida’s child support statute requires the court to add certain expenses to the basic obligation required by the guidelines to compute a child support award. The court must add the costs of providing health insurance for the child to the basic obligation if the order includes a provision for health insurance coverage.

In addition, if either parent incurs childcare costs due to his or her employment, job search or education calculated to either result in employment or enhance income, a percentage of the costs must be added to the basic obligation.

Child support calculations can be complex, but don’t worry. We will guide you through the process and give you the information and personal attention you need to protect your interests.

Getting Back Pay: The 24-Month Retroactive Rule

Many parents do not know that they can ask for back pay. Under Florida Statute § 61.30(17), courts have the discretion to award retroactive child support dating back to when the parents stopped living together, provided it is explicitly requested in the legal pleadings. However, the state sets a hard limit on this look-back period. You can only collect retroactive support for up to 24 months before the date you officially file your petition. Acting quickly ensures your child receives the full financial coverage they deserve.

How Is Child Support Calculated In Florida?

Florida judges use a specific guideline worksheet to decide monthly payment amounts fairly. The state combines the income of both parents and looks at how many children need support.

• Gross income: The total money you earn before anyone takes out taxes.
• Allowable deductions: Income taxes, health insurance costs for the child, mandatory union dues and retirement contributions.
• Net income: The money left over after subtracting allowable deductions from your gross income.
• Overnight adjustments: Spending more time with your child impacts the final calculation.

The state uses these financial figures to build a fair payment schedule. For example, if Parent A makes $3,000 in net monthly income and Parent B makes $2,000, their combined net income equals $5,000. If the state schedule sets the basic support need for one child at $1,000, Parent A owes 60% ($600) because they earn 60% of the total income.

If a parent hosts the child for 73 or more overnights a year, Florida law triggers the “Gross-Up Method,” which multiplies the basic support obligation by 1.5 to account for two households before factoring in income and time-sharing percentages. Working with an Ocala child support lawyer helps you calculate these numbers accurately.

When Does Child Support End?

In most cases, financial support obligations stop automatically when a child turns 18 years old. Exceptions exist if the child is still in high school with a graduation date before their 19th birthday or if the child has special needs. Parents should review their court orders a few months before graduation to stop payments correctly and avoid costly overpayments.

Moving Away And Relocation Adjustments

When a parent moves to a new city or state, the physical distance changes how parents share time. A judge must approve the relocation and will likely recalculate the support order to balance new travel expenses, like plane tickets or long drives. Changing your address alters your schedule, which directly changes your monthly payments.

Contact Us

To arrange an initial consultation with a Gainesville or Ocala child support attorney, call our Ocala and Gainesville offices at 352-484-1845 or toll free at 888-459-5051, or send us an e-mail. We look forward to assisting you.