Our legal team is committed to protecting parental rights and advancing the best interests of your children. Every parent has a legal obligation to support his or her children, even after a divorce. 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 parents may negotiate adjustments or petition the court after a change in their financial situation.
The Law Offices of K. Dean Kantaras, P.A. can often help clients in the Clearwater and Palm Harbor area negotiate a fair settlement-and we have the skills to prepare an effective case when parents must go to court. Call us at (727) 939-6113.
In addition, even though Florida has a no-fault divorce law, courts do consider wrongdoing when determining the appropriate level of alimony and child support payments. Questions about how child support is calculated? A Palm Harbor family attorney at K. Dean Kantaras, P.A. can help.
There are serious legal ramifications for late payments or unpaid support.
The court may also place a lien on property such as houses, cars, and boats, so the owner cannot sell without settling delinquent child support. The court can suspend various licenses-drivers, professional practice, fishing, and hunting-making it impossible for an obligor to work or engage in certain activities. Finally, the court may find a delinquent obligor in contempt and order incarceration until the obligation is paid. Criminal penalties, including fines and imprisonment from six months to two years, are also possible under the federal Deadbeat Parents Punishment Act of 1998.
When a court terminates parental rights, the parent no longer has to pay child support-though that parent is still liable for back support. However, parents cannot simply opt out of their obligations. If a custodial parent remarries and the new spouse wants to adopt the child, the custodial parent must get the other parent to renounce parental rights or get a court order terminating parental rights and responsibilities.
Under Florida statutes, the custodial parent cannot deny time-sharing rights to the non-custodial parent based on non-payment of child support. Also, when the custodial parent refuses to make the children available, the non-custodial parent cannot withhold child support payments. Parents who lose time-sharing rights due to conduct deemed detrimental to the child must still meet their support obligations.
Our team at K. Dean Kantaras, P.A. advises against any misguided attempts at "self-help." It's important to have a qualified legal professional on your side. Consult a qualified family law attorney, and resolve your visitation and support issues professionally for the best results.
For reliable guidance on child support law from a board-certified family law attorney, contact our office and set up a consultation. Our team has been serving Florida families for almost 25 years.
At the Law Offices of K. Dean Kantaras, P.A., we take the time to explain your rights and take affirmative steps to assert them. Call us at (727) 939-6113!