Florida has eliminated the term “custody” and has replaced it with the term “time-sharing”. Despite this change in terminology, they deal with the same concept. Child custody (or time-sharing) is always a difficult situation to resolve when both parties wish to be the sole custodial guardian. These are the times when the will and fortitude of an Orlando child custody lawyer is truly tested.
Most of the time, these issues are worked out prior to either individual seeking legal counsel, but when it has not been ironed out; sparks can and do fly. Children are sometimes all that’s left of a marriage and both parties want to hold on. We love our children and we want them with us. This is a simple and understandable concept. It is our job to work with both parents and opposing counsel to figure out what is the best environment for the child.
Florida demands that both parents, not just the custodial parent, provide financial assistance (child support) for minor children. This demand came at the behest of the good people of the State of Florida who understand that children need attention and appropriate care.
Child support payments are determined by many things, including:
- Monthly income
- Time sharing/custodial situation
- Daycare, school, health care expenses
- Trusts and assets
The courts use specific calculations and percentages when awarding child support, making it less of a punishment and more of a duty or obligation on the non-custodial parent.
Child support belongs solely to the children, not the parent, and therefore is separate from alimony discussions. Should a parent be found to be using child support for any purpose other than for the care of the minor children to whom it was awarded, that parent can be brought back in front of the courts. This happens less than rumor allows, but more frequently than it should. If you believe your children’s support payments are going for things that are not related to their care, speak to a child support lawyer immediately for assistance.