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Palm Harbor, Clearwater-Largo, Holiday - 727-781-0000

Kantaras & Andreopoulus Attorneys at Law

Pinellas County Child Support Attorneys

Looking out for the best interests of your children

Serving in Pasco, Pinellas and Hillsborough Counties with law offices also in Largo, Holiday & Palm Harbor

K. Dean Kantaras is Board Certified in Marital and Family Law by the Florida Bar

Every parent has a legal obligation to support his or her children, even after a divorce occurs.  Child support is the financial contribution that the non-custodial parent pays to the custodial parent to help cover the expenses of raising children.

A court usually determines the amount of child support, but either parent may petition the court to increase or decrease support as his or her financial situation changes.  The obligation to pay child support ends when the child is emancipated or dies.

Child support payments must cover the following basic needs:

  • Food
  • Shelter
  • Clothing
  • Education
  • Medical attention

How child support is determined under Florida law

In most cases, a court uses a formula to calculate the amount of support.  This formula takes into account the following factors:

  • The gross income of each parent
  • The ability of the non-custodial parent to pay
  • The earning capacity of the custodial parent
  • The health needs of the children
  • The number of children
  • The age of the children
  • The other responsibilities of the parents
  • The standard of living of the child before the divorce

It is important to keep in mind that even though Florida has a no-fault divorce law, courts take into consideration issues of fault or wrongdoing when determining the appropriate level of alimony and child support payments.  Further, the emotionally-charged issues pertaining to time sharing can interfere with the ability of parents to keep the best interests of their children at the forefront.

Our experienced Pinellas County and St. Petersburg child support attorneys can often help clients negotiate a fair settlement out of court—and we have the skills to prepare an effective case when a judge is needed to make these critical decisions.

How we can help

Even when support issues have been negotiated out of court, a judge can make changes to the agreement based on what the state determines is fair compensation.  Each Pinellas County child support lawyer at the Law Offices of Kantaras & Andreopoulos understands the complex calculations used by Florida courts to help ensure agreements reached by parents are supported by the courts.  Serving Pasco, Pinellas, and Hillsborough Counties with law offices in Largo, Holiday & Palm Harbor, we have the local experience to help ensure the best outcome for you and your children.

Contact an experienced Pinellas County child support lawyer at Kantaras & Andreopoulos

K. Dean Kantaras is board-certified in marital and family law by the Florida Bar.  Those wishing to know more about the skilled representation we can offer in all aspects of family laws in Florida are invited to contact our firm at (727) 781-0000, or use our online contact form.