Orlando Child Support Attorney — Ensuring Children Receive the Support They Deserve

Every child in Florida has a legal right to financial support from both parents, regardless of whether the parents were married. Child support ensures that children’s basic needs — housing, food, clothing, education, healthcare — are met consistently. Whether you need to establish a new child support order, enforce an existing order, or modify support due to changed circumstances, Grace Law PA provides knowledgeable, dedicated representation in Orlando and throughout Central Florida.

How Florida Calculates Child Support

Florida uses a guideline formula (Florida Statute §61.30) to calculate child support, based primarily on the combined net income of both parents and the number of overnights each parent has with the child. The formula also accounts for health insurance costs, childcare costs, and other child-related expenses. Judges generally follow the guidelines but have discretion to deviate by up to 5% (or more in special circumstances) based on factors such as the child’s extraordinary medical or educational needs.

Understanding how to properly calculate net income — including accounting for self-employment income, bonuses, overtime, and other non-wage income — is critical to ensuring fair support. Grace Law PA ensures all income sources are properly documented and presented to the court.

Modifying Child Support in Florida

Child support can be modified if there has been a substantial change in circumstances since the last order was entered. Common grounds for modification include a significant increase or decrease in either parent’s income, a change in the child’s time-sharing schedule, changes in the child’s healthcare or childcare costs, or the child turning 18 and emancipating. Modifications are not automatic — a court order is required.

Enforcing Child Support in Florida

When a parent fails to pay court-ordered child support, there are multiple enforcement mechanisms available under Florida law, including income withholding from wages (mandatory in most cases), suspension of driver’s license and professional licenses, seizure of bank accounts or tax refunds, contempt of court proceedings, and in extreme cases, incarceration.

Frequently Asked Questions — Child Support in Florida

What if the other parent is hiding income to lower child support?

Florida courts can impute income to a parent who is voluntarily underemployed or unemployed without justification, or who is hiding income. Grace Law PA uses financial discovery tools to uncover all relevant income sources.

Does child support automatically end when the child turns 18?

Generally yes, unless the child is still in high school (support continues until graduation or age 19, whichever is first). Support may also continue for a child with certain disabilities under Florida law.

Can parents agree on child support without going to court?

Parents can agree on support, but the agreement must be reviewed and approved by a court to be enforceable. Informal agreements are not legally binding.

What if I lose my job and cannot pay child support?

You should file for modification immediately. Child support arrears accrue automatically — you cannot simply stop paying. A court-approved modification is the only way to legally reduce your obligation.

Contact Grace Law PA Today — Free Case Evaluation

If you are facing this situation in Orlando or Central Florida, do not wait. Attorney Grace Flores offers free consultations and fights for the results you deserve — in English and Spanish.

📞 (407) 777-4994 | 33 E Robinson St, Suite 207, Orlando, FL 32801 | Se habla español