Child Support

Question 1

Child support

Answer 1

IT IS THE DUTY OF BOTH PARENTS TO PAY CHILD SUPPORT.

PARENTS HAVE AN OBLIGATION TO PAY CHILD SUPPORT UNTIL THE CHILD IS 18 YEARS OLD OR LEGALLY EMANCIPATED.

THE AMOUNT OF CHILD SUPPORT IS SET BY STATUTE.

Question 2

Waiving Child Support

Answer 2

IN FLORIDA, CHILD SUPPORT CANNOT BE WAIVED.

Question 3

Exceptions to Ending Child Support

Answer 3

• When the child is 18 or 19 years old, but still in high school.
• When the child is physically or mentally dependent.

Question 4

Sanctions for Failure to Pay

Answer 4

SANCTIONS FOR FAILING TO PAY FOR CHILD SUPPORT CAN RANGE FROM GETTING YOUR DRIVER’S LICENSE SUSPENDED TO BEING HELD IN CONTEMPT OF COURT AND POSSIBLE JAIL TIME.

Question 5

Court Modifying Child Support Amount

Answer 5

Courts have the discretion to award a child support amount below the statutory guidelines when: (i) extraordinary medical or education expenses exist; (ii) seasonal variations in income apply; (iii) a child’s age warrants deviation; (iv) special shared parental arrangements exist; (v) the total assets of the parents and child justify a lower amount: or (vi) there is an IRS dependence exception.