Children have a right to be supported by their parents and it is important that divorcing parents or unmarried parents understand their child support rights and responsibilities. The family law process in Florida can help parents sort through child support concerns and help them resolve these important issues for the benefit of the child.
The process of obtaining child support can vary by state so it is important for parents to be familiar with the process in their state when they need child support. Children need support for everyday expenses such as food, clothing and shelter but also for childcare and other expenses as well. In Florida, child support can be ordered during the divorce process or through a petition made to the family law court by one of the parents which is most common in cases of unmarried parents.
There is a process that involves filing paperwork to obtain child support in Florida that parents should be familiar with. Once child support has been requested during a divorce proceeding or through a petition to the family law court, the family law court will determine child support based on the gross income of the parents and the number of children requiring support. A percentage of the income to be paid by each parent will then be allocated and a child support order will be entered.
In addition, based on a significant change in circumstances for either the parent or the child, it may be possible to request a child support modification also through the family law process. Important enforcement resources are also available to parents receiving child support and are something paying parents should be aware of as well. Child support is an understandably important concern for many divorcing parents which is why the family law process in Florida provides valuable resources to help.