Child Support

Florida Child Support Lawyer

At Johnson O’Keefe, we understand that child support is a crucial part of ensuring a child’s well-being after a separation or divorce. Whether you need to establish, modify, or enforce a child support order, our experienced Florida child support lawyers are here to help.

Understanding Child Support in Florida

Florida law requires both parents to contribute financially to their child’s upbringing. Child support payments help cover essential expenses, ensuring that children maintain a stable and secure quality of life.

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Let Johnson O’Keefe guide you through the process. Call (888) 445-2318 or contact us now for a free consultation.

How Is Child Support Calculated in Florida?

The state follows a formula based on the Florida Child Support Guidelines, which considers factors like:

  • Each parent’s income
  • The number of children involved
  • Health insurance costs for the child
  • Childcare and education expenses
  • The amount of time each parent spends with the child

Courts use these factors to determine a fair and reasonable child support amount. However, adjustments may be made depending on unique circumstances.

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At Johnson O’Keefe, our team of skilled and understanding legal professionals proudly provides comprehensive and efficient legal services for all clients.
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Myles S. Johnson

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Genet T. Johnson

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Shannon M. O'Keefe

CHIEF OPERATIONS OFFICER, MEMBER

Taylor K. Brice

MANAGING PARTNER, MEMBER

Anne E. Hinds

MANAGING PARTNER, MEMBER

Myron L. Latney Jr.

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Modifying a Child Support Order

Life circumstances change, and child support orders may need to be modified. You may request a modification if:

  • One parent’s income significantly increases or decreases
  • The child’s needs change (e.g., medical expenses or educational costs rise)
  • A parent loses their job or experiences financial hardship
  • There is a substantial change in custody or visitation arrangements

A court must approve any modification request. Our attorneys can help present a strong case for adjustment.

Enforcing Child Support Orders

If a parent fails to make child support payments, legal action may be necessary. Florida law provides enforcement measures such as:

  • Wage garnishment
  • Suspension of driver’s license or professional licenses
  • Intercepting tax refunds
  • Contempt of court charges, which could lead to fines or jail time

If you are struggling to receive the child support you are owed, we can help you take the necessary legal steps.

What Happens If a Parent Refuses to Pay?

Non-payment of child support is taken seriously in Florida. The court can enforce orders through:

  • Reporting delinquent payments to credit bureaus
  • Placing liens on property
  • Denying passport applications or renewals
  • Seizing bank accounts

If you are facing difficulties making payments, it’s best to seek legal guidance instead of ignoring the issue. Our team can assist in negotiating a resolution.

Child Support and Shared Custody

In cases where parents share custody, child support obligations may be adjusted. Factors that influence support in shared custody cases include:

  • How much time each parent spends with the child
  • The income disparity between parents
  • Who covers health insurance and extracurricular expenses

Our attorneys can ensure that your child support agreement reflects a fair division of financial responsibility.

Get the Child Support Help You Deserve – Contact Us Today
Child support matters can be complex, but you don’t have to handle them alone. Let Johnson O’Keefe protect your rights and ensure your child’s financial future.
Call us now at (888) 445-2318 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation.

Special Considerations in Child Support Cases

Every case is unique, and certain situations require additional legal attention, such as:

  • Child support for high-income parents – When a parent earns a significant income, standard guidelines may not apply.
  • Child support for children with special needs – Additional expenses may be required for medical care, therapy, or specialized education.
  • Support obligations for self-employed parents – Calculating income for business owners can be complex, requiring a detailed financial review.
 

Our legal team is skilled in handling complex child support matters and ensuring that financial obligations align with the child’s needs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

“Everyone I dealt with at the firm was extremely professional, easy to talk to, and knowledgeable.”

I worked with Elizabeth and she did way more for me than I thought possible. I was in a bad situation when I came in. She took my case then proceeded to go above and beyond until the very end. With them working my case my stress about the whole thing was pretty much gone.
– Nick D.

“Johnson O'Keefe and in particular Elizabeth Gregory was phenomenal with their representation of my case.”

Everyone was fast to return calls or emails. They explained everything thoroughly and so that I could understand the process. They worked with me every step of the way. I would highly recommend Johnson O’Keefe and if needed would go with them again. Thank you so much.I was in a very difficult custody/child support dispute with my ex-spouse. Working with her was such a wonderful experience, kept our goals at the top of every conversation, knew all points and avenues that we could take, never lead us in the wrong direction They worked tirelessly on my case and the outcome was exactly what I expected! I would recommend this firm to anyone who is going through a family law issue.

– Liz

“Myles Johnson is an excellent divorce attorney – the Best of the Best!”

I HIGHLY recommend him and his legal team of paralegals and staff because I had a great experience with them. Myles is smart and savvy and fully committed to his clients as an attorney and mediator. He represented me in my divorce and when we went to court his talent and expertise rose to the top giving me confidence and inspiration during this hardship. I am so glad I had Johnson O’Keefe at my side! It made my divorce a little bit easier knowing this group had my back and worked hard to get me what was fair and equitable with the utmost care and concern for me as a client and most importantly as an individual.
– M.J.

“Quick response to questions, making the line of communication superb.”

Johnson O’Keefe did and is doing an excellent job with my case. Thanks for all help and wish you all a great future.
– Mista

“Professional, caring, organized.”

Amazing law firm. They will represent your best interests! They communicate well with you and are straight forward with everything from rates to the legal process. Myles Johnson is a experienced, knowledgeable, well-versed in the laws as they pertain in each county throughout the State of Colorado. As a client, I highly recommend Johnson O’Keefe!!
– Caleb

“Myles was firm and consistent while being very professional with the opposition.”

Myles and his firm did an excellent job on my case. He helped me settle a financial dispute with my ex-wife concerning my retirement income. Myles was a good communicator and responded to questions and concerns promptly. I will definitely call him if I am ever in need of a lawyer.
– Rob

“They took a very stressful situation and made it a very pleasant storm.”

I wasn’t familiar with the process of child custody but I must say not only did Myles and his team direct me properly but it was a process that wasn’t money motivated. Very professional group, I was constantly informed of any step or move needed to be made. When you have someone in your corner that understands the importance of family it makes the situation a ton easier, thank you Myles and Johnson group for everything!
– Dwight

“My goals and the safety of my children were always the priority to the JOK team.”

I called Johnson Law Group extremely frustrated and stressed with the process of my custody case. From the consultation to every conversation after, Elizabeth went out of her way to make sure that i was comfortable with all the matters and decisions. I highly recommend Elizabeth and the whole Johnson O’Keefe team to anyone going through custody matters. Elizabeth, Cassidy, and Paola were amazing, and made me feel like i was a friend, not just a client. I would happily use them again if needed.
– Patricia
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How Your Attorney Can Help

If you are required to pay child support, it is vital to adhere closely to the terms of your support order. Any violation of your child support obligations could lead to contempt of court and/or criminal prosecution. In addition, if you are owed child support from a co-parent, it’s vital to know how to address any incomplete, late, or refused payments as efficiently as possible.

When you choose Johnson O’Keefe to represent you in a child support determination, our goal is to help you reach the fairest possible outcome to the case that ensures your child has the support they need from both of their parents. Child support may also fluctuate over time as a child’s needs change or as the parents’ financial situations change. For example, if you are required to pay child support but unexpectedly lose your job or suffer an injury, these events could influence your ability to meet your support obligation.

A Florida child support attorney can help a client secure favorable terms in an initial support determination and provide ongoing legal counsel if the parent must return to court later to request a modification. The Florida family court allows a parent to make reasonable changes to their child support terms in certain circumstances. If you need assistance resolving any custody dispute in the Florida, area, Johnson O’Keefe can provide the compassionate and responsive legal counsel you need to approach this difficult case with greater confidence. 

Contact Johnson O’Keefe today and schedule a free consultation with a Florida child support attorney you can trust to guide you through your case.

Individualized Attention

Just as each family is unique, so is each family legal matter. We always take the time to completely understand your situation so that we can tailor our advice and strategy accordingly.

Highly Recommended

Our clients often take the time to write and thank us, not only for the results we have earned for them but also for the respect we’ve shown them.

Supportive Counsel

We never lose sight of the fact that divorce and other household conflicts can feel overwhelming. Our family lawyers will answer all of your questions to ease your burden in this difficult time.