Secure Your Child's Financial Support
When child support obligations are not being met, the Law Offices of Peter Perettine are here to guide you through the legal process. Attorney Peter Perettine brings over 25 years of experience in family law, having handled or tried more than 100 family law cases in the South Florida area. With a reputation for being aggressive, loyal, and honest, we are committed to ensuring your child receives the financial support they deserve. Trust us to take the necessary legal steps to protect your family's future and bring you peace of mind.
Understanding Child Support
Regardless of whether you're married or not, both parents share financial responsibility for their children. If you are an unmarried mother, you have the legal right to seek child support from your child's father. Likewise, custodial parents are entitled to child support from the noncustodial parent. The goal is to ensure that your child's needs are met, regardless of the parent's relationship status.
The amount of child support should be both fair and equitable. It's not just about one parent's ability to pay; various factors, such as the financial circumstances of both parents, the child's healthcare, education, and insurance costs, must all be considered to determine the right amount of support. The goal is to provide a stable, balanced solution that benefits the child's well-being.
Child support disputes can be complex, but with the guidance of an experienced attorney, you can make informed decisions about your rights and responsibilities. Having a knowledgeable lawyer on your side can help you navigate the legal process efficiently and ensure that the solution is fair for both you and your child's future.
In Florida, child support amounts are determined based on a formula established by Florida law. This mathematical calculation factors in the net income of both parents, the number of children, and the costs for healthcare, daycare, and medical insurance. These guidelines aim to ensure a consistent and fair approach to child support across the state.
Modifying Child Support Payments
As life changes, so do the needs of your child and your financial situation. Child support is not set in stone. Whether it's because your child reaches the age of majority or one parent's financial situation changes, you can request a modification. It's essential to understand that any significant change in circumstances-from income adjustments to changes in the child's needs-may warrant a reevaluation of the original child support amount.
Did You Know
Child support payments do not automatically stop when your child turns 18. To end or modify payments, you must file a formal petition with the court. If either parent's financial circumstances change, it's important to take legal action to request an upward or downward adjustment in the child support amount.
Florida's Serious Approach to Child Support
Florida takes child support enforcement very seriously. If a parent fails to comply with a court-ordered child support agreement, they could face severe consequences, including possible arrest. Whether you are the one who needs support or the one paying, it's crucial to understand the importance of upholding these orders.
What to Do If You're Facing Enforcement Action
If you're facing a child support contempt order or struggling to receive the support you're owed, don't wait to seek legal advice. We help represent you in any enforcement actions. Failing to comply with a contempt order can result in arrest, and if you're seeking faster enforcement, hiring a private attorney may expedite the process compared to waiting for action from Florida's Department of Revenue.
Jurisdictional Challenges
Interstate child custody battles often arise when one parent relocates without complying with Florida's relocation statute. When parents reside in different states or countries, determining which jurisdiction the case will fall under becomes a critical decision. This jurisdictional choice can significantly influence the legal process and outcome, as each jurisdiction has its own laws and procedures.
Navigating the UCCJEA
These complex cases are governed by the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA), which Florida has adopted. Attorney Peter Perettine brings years of experience in leveraging the UCCJEA to ensure that custody cases are heard in the most favorable jurisdiction for his clients, offering them the best chance for a successful outcome.
- Over 25 Years of Experience: Focused on aggressive family law representation with a deep understanding of the emotional complexities of child custody cases.
- More Than 100 Contested Cases Handled: Proven track record of successfully navigating difficult child custody disputes.
- Specialized Expertise in Interstate and International Custody: Extensive knowledge of the UCCJEA and jurisdictional issues that arise in complex custody cases.
- Comprehensive Focus on Parent-Child Relationships: Crafting visitation schedules that protect the bond between parents and children, no matter the distance.
Protect Your Rights
With the right legal representation, you can ensure that the needs of your children are met and that you are complying with Florida law in a way that's fair to all parties involved. Don't hesitate to reach out for guidance; protecting your child's future starts with taking the right steps today.