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Attorney Lawrence S. Katz

Miami Child Support Attorney: Getting The Financial Support Your Children Deserve

Last updated on February 18, 2025

After a divorce, you may worry about how you are going to take care of your children financially. Children deserve to be supported by their parents, and Florida courts take this responsibility seriously.

The Law Offices of Lawrence S. Katz, P.A., has helped more than a thousand clients secure and enforce child support orders. As a highly experienced divorce attorney, attorney Lawrence Katz frequently gets referrals from judges and other lawyers because he is diligent and responsive to his clients’ needs.

Child Support In Florida

Under Florida law, child support is calculated using a formula, and many factors are considered in determining support:

  • The number of overnight stays with each parent
  • The income of both parents
  • Health insurance and uncovered medical expenses
  • Child care costs
  • Income in the form of noncash contributions
  • Private school tuition and expenses
  • Extracurricular activities
  • Any extraordinary needs or costs associated with the lifestyle enjoyed by the children during the marriage

The court may order temporary child custody, time-sharing and temporary child support orders to ensure that the children are provided for until a final order is issued. A judge may also order retroactive support covering up to 24 months prior to the date of filing the case or to the date the couple separated, whichever is shorter.

What If The Ordered Child Support Is Not Paid?

Parents sometimes try to hide income or provide false information to avoid paying child support. Attorney Katz will investigate your ex-spouse’s financial circumstances to calculate child support properly.

If your former spouse fails to pay child support ordered by the court, there are several enforcement mechanisms available. They can be held in contempt of court or have their driver’s license suspended and tax refunds intercepted. A lien can even be placed on your ex-spouse’s property. In some situations, the court may work with other agencies to suspend nonpayers’ passports or seize bank accounts.

There is no statute of limitations on child support, so arrears can be enforced after the child has reached the age of majority and against the payer’s estate in the event the parent dies. As an experienced Miami family lawyer, Lawrence Katz pursues all available avenues to get the support to which your children are entitled.

Can Child Support Be Modified?

If your situation has changed since child support was ordered, it may be possible to modify the support order. Child support can be modified if there has been a substantial, material and unanticipated change in circumstances. A substantial change in circumstances may include:

  • Job loss
  • Terminating child care
  • The disability of a parent
  • An increase in the costs of health insurance or daycare
  • A substantial increase or decrease in either parent’s income
  • Failure to exercise time-sharing
  • An increase or decrease in time-sharing
  • The difference between existing obligations is at least 15% or $50.00, whichever amount is greater

Does Getting Remarried Impact Your Ability To Receive Child Support?

Remarriage of the custodial parent does not automatically affect the receipt of child support in Florida. Child support is viewed as the right of the child, and responsibilities from the biological parents remain unchanged by the custodial parent’s change in marital status. However, if the noncustodial parent remarries, their new spouse’s income is not typically considered in calculations of child support unless it directly affects the parent’s ability to pay. Attorney Katz provides clarity and support in these situations to ensure that the child’s right to support is uncompromised.

When Can Child Support Be Terminated In Florida?

In Florida, child support obligations usually end when the child reaches the age of 18. However, there are exceptions where support may continue beyond this age. If the child is still in high school at 18 with a reasonable expectation of graduation before the age of 19, support may extend until graduation. Additionally, support for a child who is dependent due to a physical or mental incapacity that began prior to reaching 18 may continue indefinitely. Attorney Katz helps clients understand these stipulations and advocate for their rights and the best interests of their children in all matters of child support termination.

What Child Support Resources Are Available In Miami-Dade County?

There are various resources in Miami-Dade County to assist parents with child support issues. The Miami State Attorney’s Office Child Support Program is a key resource for helping children receive the financial support they require from both parents. It provides services such as establishing paternity, obtaining child support orders and enforcing these orders.

Other resources include:

If you have further questions about child support resources, reach out to the firm for guidance.

Enlist A South Florida Child Support Law Firm With The Experience You Need

Worrying about how you are going to provide for your children is stressful. Minimize your stress by helping you get the support your children deserve. Contact attorney Katz at 786-304-1180 or online to schedule a consultation. His office is conveniently located near the Dadeland South Metrorail. Se habla español.