Leesburg Child Support Lawyer

Navigating Child Support Negotiations in The Villages

If you and your spouse are getting divorced and have children together, you will most likely face child support negotiations. Sometimes, parents can come to an agreement about child support payments – but many times, the dispute becomes a bitter battle.

Whether you are seeking assistance with amicable negotiations or need aggressive representation in court, the Leesburg child support attorney at the Law Office of Jody L. Fisher can help. We are passionate about protecting the rights of our clients and ensuring that their children’s best interests are always reflected in the case’s resolution.

What Determines the Amount of Child Support?

As many states do, the state of Florida has a set of guidelines that must be followed when calculating child support.

When determining the appropriate child support payments, the court will consider:

• Each parent’s income
• The age of the child
• The child’s life before the divorce (education, afterschool activities, standard of living, etc.)
• The number of children involved
• Each parent’s potential earning capacity

Child support payments must be made until the child completes high school or turns 19 years old. The only way to change your child support obligation is to request modifications with the court. Modifications will only be approved if there is a legitimate reason for the change, such as if a parent lost a job or earned a significant pay raise.

What Happens if a Parent Fails to Pay Child Support

When a parent fails to meet child support obligations, the consequences can be significant, as both the court and child support enforcement agencies take these matters seriously. Unpaid child support can affect a child’s financial well-being, and state laws provide strict measures to ensure compliance.

If a parent stops making child support payments, enforcement actions may begin. Common enforcement methods include wage garnishment, where the court directs the parent’s employer to withhold child support directly from their paycheck. Tax refund interceptions are also common, with any state or federal refunds redirected to pay outstanding support. Other penalties may involve revoking or suspending a driver’s license or professional licenses, which can restrict certain employment opportunities. In more severe cases, non-compliance may lead to contempt of court charges, which can result in fines or even jail time.

Additionally, failure to pay child support can result in accumulated interest on overdue amounts, further increasing the financial burden. Courts may also limit visitation or custody rights if a parent consistently neglects child support obligations, especially if the court believes it impacts the child’s welfare.

For parents who cannot meet their payment due to a significant change in circumstances, seeking a modification through the court is essential. Ignoring a child support order can quickly escalate the situation, making it more difficult to catch up on payments and avoid legal consequences. A knowledgeable child support attorney can assist in understanding rights and obligations, navigating modifications, and resolving enforcement actions.

Seek Assistance from the Law Office of Jody L. Fisher

Even in an amicable divorce, it is always in you and your child's best interests to seek legal counsel from a Leesburg child support attorney. Our firm can ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive or pay the appropriate amount of child support.