Child support

In Florida, both parents are responsible for ensuring that their child or children are properly cared for. Given that, the State can require both parents to pay child support, depending on the circumstances and who has primary custody of the child. If you are dealing with a child support case, it is important to consult a child support attorney in South Florida to ensure your rights are protected. Many parents searching for reliable legal help begin by looking for child support lawyers near me, and working with an experienced local attorney can make a meaningful difference in the outcome of your case.

 The court that orders child support will often look at the paying party’s financial circumstances, the financial health of the primary caregiver, and the child or children’s specific needs. For those seeking assistance with child support matters, consulting a child support attorney in South Florida can provide valuable guidance in navigating the legal process.

Child Support Lawyer in South Florida 

Raising a child can be an extremely expensive endeavor. Moreover, raising a child by oneself or without additional support can be financially devastating. If you or someone you know in the Greater Miami Metropolitan area, including Miami, East Naples, West Palm Beach, or Fort Lauderdale in South Florida, needs legal assistance in obtaining financial support from a co-parent, then contact the experienced family law attorneys at Bacchus Law Firm. Our office is well-versed in the Florida court system regarding child support, and an experienced Miami child support lawyer from our team can help protect your financial rights and your child’s future. Recognized by many clients as the best divorce attorney in South Florida, our firm empathizes with parents who are struggling to meet the financial needs of child rearing and offers comprehensive legal counsel to families in need of South Florida child support guidance, whether for obtaining or modifying child support.

Our office is located on

The attorneys at Bacchus Law Firm will walk with you every step of the way from requesting a child support modification to the court hearing for a support determination. Our attorneys will work as a team to help clients from Broward County, Miami-Dade County, Hendry County, Palm Beach County, and Collier County in South Florida obtain the lawyer for child support they need and deserve.


South Florida Child Support Information Center


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Calculating Child Support and Expenses

As children grow older, the cost of their care constantly changes based on their needs, in addition to the parents’ lives, which are influenced by work and general family balancing. Whether parents are married, unmarried, or divorced, they are held responsible for child support. Some common expenses that child support covers include the following:

  • Food
  • Clothing
  • Daycare or child care
  • Transportation
  • Education
  • Medical care
  • Other expenses

The calculation of support for these expenses in South Florida is based on several factors. The most common factors that determine child support lawyers payments include the following:

  • Ability of parents to pay
  • Needs of the children
  • Financial status of each parent
  • Age of the child or children
  • Number of children
  • Standard of living for each parent
  • Station of life for each parent

These factors are intended to create a fair and reasonable child support package for both paying and receiving parents. For fathers navigating this process, especially in complex custody cases, connecting with experienced child support lawyers for fathers in South Florida can provide tailored legal guidance and advocacy. Because child support and spousal support issues often overlap, consulting an alimony attorney in South Florida can also be beneficial when reviewing financial obligations. If parents already have a custody agreement determined by the court and want to change it, the process is slightly different.


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Modification of a Child Support Agreement

Modifying a child support agreement in South Florida is more challenging than creating one in the first place. At the same time, it is easy to understand that a parent’s circumstances can change from bad to worse or good to best in a very short period of time. Florida law applies the substantial change in circumstances test to determine whether a child support agreement may be modified. The party requesting the modification must demonstrate that they have experienced a substantial, unplanned, and unexpected change in their life that necessitates an adjustment to the existing child support order. A knowledgeable Palm Beach Gardens child support lawyer or paternity attorney in South Florida can evaluate whether your situation meets this legal standard and advocate on your behalf. A child support payment may be increased or decreased based on the changed circumstances of either party. Some common situations that may be considered substantial include:

  • Loss of a job
  • Change in income
  • Change in health
  • Change in the needs of the child

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Extending South Florida Child Support

Generally, under Florida law, child support ends once the child or children reach the age of eighteen (18). However, under specific circumstances outlined in Florida Statute § 743.07(2), child support requirements may be extended past 18 if the child is still in high school or if the child’s mental or physical capacity is considered. In South Florida, courts may closely examine such cases to ensure the child’s long-term needs are met appropriately.

A court may order child support past age 18 if a child has a mental or physical incapacity and is unable to support himself or herself. However, the incapacity must have started before the child reached the age of 18.

Additionally, if a child is still in high school by the time they reach 18 years old, a court may extend child support. In Florida, such support may be extended until graduation or until the child reaches the age of 19, subject to additional requirements.


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Additional Resources

Florida Statutes ǀ Child Support– Visit Online Sunshine, the Florida Legislature’s website which contains the full statutory text on Florida child support requirements and modifications.

Florida Department of Revenue Child Support Services– Visit the Florida Department of Revenue for more information on child support payments and to access information, including child support payment center, child health insurance, child support enforcement, and tax credits, on the Florida Department of Revenue website.

West Palm Beach Office Location
881 S. Congress Ave.
West Palm Beach, FL 33406-4118
Phone: (800) 622-5437

Palm Beach County Unified Family Court– If you are in West Palm Beach, visit the Palm Beach County Family Court website for more information on child support in Florida. The site has useful information on online child support payments and child support enforcement.

West Palm Beach (Main) Courthouse
205 N. Dixie Highway
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
Phone: (561) 355-2996

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Find a Child Support Attorney in South Florida

If you or someone you know needs a family law attorney to obtain child support or to request a modification in a child support agreement, then contact the experienced family law attorneys of Bacchus Law Firm.

Our office handles cases in Broward County, Palm Beach County, Miami-Dade County, Collier County, and Hendry County, as well as South Florida. We provide one-on-one counsel to families of all shapes and sizes who need support in Florida.

We are dedicated and zealous family lawyers who take the time to provide personalized legal services and guide you step by step.

Call (954) 500-5555 now to schedule a consultation with our family lawyer.


Experienced Legal Guidance for Child Support and Custody Matters

Child support, custody, and timesharing matters in South Florida can be legally and emotionally complex, especially when family circumstances change. Having knowledgeable legal counsel can make a meaningful difference in protecting your rights and your child’s best interests. Whether you need guidance from a timeshare attorney in South Florida, a Palm Beach Gardens child support attorney, or are searching for a trusted child custody attorney near me, working with an experienced family law professional ensures you are prepared, informed, and supported throughout the legal process. With the right representation, parents can pursue fair resolutions that promote their children’s financial stability and long-term security.


 Frequently Asked Questions

 

  1. Do I need a lawyer for a child support hearing in South Florida?
    You are not required to have an attorney, but working with a Florida child support lawyer can help you properly present financial information and protect your rights. Legal guidance often leads to a more accurate and fair outcome.
  2. How is child support calculated in South Florida?
    Florida uses statutory guidelines based on income, the number of children, and the amount of parenting time. Child support attorneys help ensure the court correctly evaluates all financial details.
  3. Can child support be changed after a court order?
    Yes, child support may be modified if there is a substantial change in circumstances. A Florida child support lawyer can determine if you qualify and file the proper request.
  4. Does child custody affect child support payments in South Florida?
    Yes, timesharing arrangements directly impact child support amounts. Many parents work with child custody lawyers near me to ensure custody and support orders align properly.
  5. How do I find the right child support attorney near me?
    Look for attorneys experienced in Florida family law and local courts. Consulting trusted child support attorneys can help you understand your options and next steps.