Child Support In Tampa: How To Get The Total Amount Your Child Deserves

It costs a lot to raise a child in today’s world. Starting with pregnancy, the bills begin pouring in. Over the course of 18 years, medical bills, food, housing, clothing, education, and other expenses can easily reach more than six figures. In most cases, both parents must contribute financially. If you are divorced or unmarried and the other parent is not paying their share, our Tampa child support lawyer explains how to get the total amount your child deserves.

Your Rights To Child Support In Tampa

Under the Florida Statutes, parents are legally required to provide for their child’s care, and child support is automatically addressed as part of divorce proceedings. In cases of unmarried parents, a judge can make a child support determination once paternity is established. There are state guidelines that dictate the total amount of child support that must be paid, but other factors the court is likely to consider include:

• Each parent’s income and assets;
• The amount of time the child spends in their care;
• The amount required to provide a reasonable standard of living for the child;
• Any special needs they have, which could increase expenses.

You have the right to seek child support to help pay for your child’s housing, food, and medical care, as well as to offset the costs of their education and any sports or extracurricular activities. What if the other parent refuses to pay? Obtaining court-ordered child support is the best way to ensure your child has what they need to succeed in life. This gives you the right to take legal enforcement actions through the court. If the debt remains unpaid, the non-paying parent could face serious penalties.

Enforcing A Tampa Child Support Order

Raising a child is expensive. The Institute for Family Studies reports that it takes anywhere from $250,000 to $400,000 to provide what a child needs from birth to age 18. Sadly, when one parent refuses to pay their share, the child ultimately suffers.

Having a Tampa child support order in place can help ensure regular payment and allows you to collect on past-due amounts. Enforcement actions available through the Florida Department of Revenue include:

• Wage garnishment;
• Seizure of money in bank accounts and other assets;
• Property liens, which must be settled before they can sell;
• Seizure of state lottery winnings, tax refunds, or government benefits.

If the other parent fails to comply with enforcement efforts, they can face severe penalties. These include heavy fines and court costs, loss of their driver’s license and state-issued credentials, and a potentially lengthy jail sentence.

Request A Consultation With Our Tampa Child Support Lawyer

Child support plays an important role in providing for your children, and getting a formal order helps ensure it gets paid. Bubley & Bubley, P.A. provides caring support and the experienced legal representation you need throughout the process. To request a consultation with our Tampa child support lawyer, call or contact our office online today.

Sources:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.30.html

ifstudies.org/blog/the-true-cost-of-raising-a-child

floridarevenue.com/childsupport/Pages/default.aspx