Change in Florida Child Support Laws May Benefit Fathers

November 16, 2010

Number of Overnights for Support Adjustment Reduced

Florida child support laws underwent several significant changes in 2010. One of these changes may be of special interest to fathers, as it may help ease their financial burdens.

Under the new law, parents who have less overall time with their children but who have at least 20 percent of the overnight visits may be entitled to a reduction in child support payments. The adjustment is based on a sliding scale set by statute.

Prior to the change in the law, the parent had to have at least 40 percent of the overnights in order to qualify for the adjustment.This change in the law may be beneficial to fathers who did not have enough overnights under the previous standard to qualify for the adjustment.

However, this is not the only change that Florida fathers should know.

Termination Dates Now Required in Support Orders for Multiple Children

According to the new law, child support orders affecting more than one child now must include a termination date for support for each child and the new reduced, total amount of support. For example, if a father is paying support for two children, the support order may read something like "child support obligation of $500 per month until January 1, 2015 and thereafter child support obligation of $250 per month until January 1, 2022."

These provisions will automatically take effect, saving the parents the trouble of having to request a support modification from the courts. However, parents seeking a lower or higher support amount based on changed circumstances can still petition the court for a modification, regardless of the new automatic provision.

New Guidelines for Imputing Income

Another important change fathers need to know concerns the amount of income Florida courts can impute to parents who are voluntarily unemployed or underemployed for purposes of determining child support. Previously, courts could only impute the minimum wage level under federal law.

Now, Florida courts may impute the equivalent of the median income of full-time workers as determined by the US Bureau of the Census Reports. This is nearly double the previous amount of imputed wages.

Contact an Experienced Family Law Attorney

Florida child support laws are very complex and can be extremely confusing for someone to try to navigate on their own. A lawyer experienced in handling child support and custody cases can help you understand Florida's child support guidelines and help you receive quality time with your child.

For more information on child support, child custody, father's rights or other family law issues, contact a knowledgeable family law attorney today.

Article provided by Tamara K. Holden PA
Visit us at www.floridadivorcelawyer4u.com