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Grant J. Gisondo, P.A. – Family Law Attorney

Child Support

Grant J. Gisondo, P.A. > Child Support

How Changing Child Care Costs Affect Child Support in Florida

The Realities of Rising Child Care Expenses Raising children is expensive—and for many divorced or separated parents in Florida, childcare represents one of the largest ongoing costs. Daycare, after-school programs, and summer camps can cost thousands of dollars each year. When these expenses increase or decrease substantially, they can directly affect the amount of child support one parent pays or receives. Florida’s child support system is based on ensuring that both parents share the financial responsibility for raising their children. The formula takes into account income, custody arrangements, and necessary expenses, including work-related child care. Learn more about these calculations on our...

Handling College Tuition After Divorce in Florida

Understanding Parental Responsibility After a Divorce Divorce brings many financial questions—especially regarding children’s future needs post-divorce responsibility. Once a child turns 18, Florida’s child support laws generally end parental obligations unless the child has special needs. But what about college Tuition? In Florida, courts do not automatically require parents to pay college expenses after a divorce. Unless a specific provision is included in the marital settlement agreement or final judgment, the obligation doesn’t exist, which is why planning ahead matters. See how Florida handles child support and arrearages. (Gisondo Family Law) Negotiating College Tuition Terms in the Settlement Parents can negotiate college-related expenses...

When and How to Modify Child Support in Florida

Why Child Support Modifications Are Sometimes Necessary Life rarely stays the same, and circumstances that existed at the time of a child support order may change over the years. Florida law recognizes that shifts in income, employment, health, or family needs may warrant an adjustment. Understanding when and how you can request a modification helps ensure the arrangement continues to serve the child’s best interests. Legal Grounds for Child Support Modification Substantial Change in Circumstances Florida requires a “substantial change in circumstances” before child support can be modified. Common examples include: Job Loss or Income Reduction: If a parent loses employment or experiences a...

How Florida’s 2025 Wage Law Impacts Divorce Financial Planning

Minimum Wage Increases Are Changing the Game Florida’s minimum wage will increase to $14 per hour for non-tipped workers by the end of 2025, with tipped workers seeing a rise to nearly $11. This change—part of a phased approach voters approved in 2020—may seem like a win for workers, but it also brings a wave of financial considerations for families going through divorce, especially when calculating Spousal and Child Support. What It Means for Spousal and Child Support When determining support payments, Florida courts look closely at each party’s income and ability to earn. With wage floors rising, courts may: Adjust support expectations...

Child Support Calculations… Are You Overpaying?

In Florida, child support is a mandatory requirement for all parents whether they are married to each other or not. Both parents are responsible for part of their minor children’s support and sometimes this support will be given to a third party legal guardian such as a grandparent. Additionally, child support cannot be made part of a pre or post marital agreement. There are a number of considerations taken into account when figuring child support, among them are incomes of each parent, number of minor children shared by the couple, number of overnights each parent will have, special needs or...

Unpaid Child Support in Florida: Legal Consequences – Pt. 2

Penalties for Non-Payment of Child Support Failing to pay child support in Florida can lead to significant problems. If you miss a payment, the court will send you a notice of delinquency. This notice indicates that the court is now enforcing the support order. If parents ignore this notice, they may face even more severe consequences. Florida child support laws permit courts to impose various penalties. These penalties can include taking money from wages, placing liens on property, or even sending someone to jail. All of this is to ensure that the child's financial needs are met. The court can also require...

Unpaid Child Support in Florida: Legal Consequences – Pt. 1

Key Highlights In Florida, both parents are required to provide financial support for their children. Child support in Florida follow the "Income Shares Model." This examines what parents earn and what the child needs. If a parent does not pay child support, there can be serious consequences. These may include having wages garnished, losing a driver's license, or even facing jail time. Florida law allows parents to modify child support orders in certain circumstances, such as when a significant event occurs, like losing a job, or if the child requires additional support. Consulting a reputable family law attorney is crucial...

Pro Tips from a Child Support Attorney for Special Needs Children – Pt.2

Legal Framework for Special Needs Child Support Empower yourself by understanding the laws about child support for a child with special needs. This means knowing both federal and state rules. Federal law sets a basic standard, but Florida has rules that show how child support is figured out and enforced. This knowledge will give you the confidence to navigate this complex area of family law. Remember, you're not alone in this. These laws work together to ensure that children with disabilities get the money they need, whether their parents are married or not. Having a lawyer who knows these rules is like...

Pro Tips from a Child Support Attorney for Special Needs Children – Pt.1

Key Highlights Understanding Florida child support guidelines is important; it empowers parents of special needs children. This knowledge gives them the confidence to navigate the legal system and advocate for their children's rights. Child support orders for special needs children are not one-size-fits-all. They are tailored to meet the unique needs of each child, providing parents with a sense of reassurance that their child's specific requirements are being considered. Negotiating a comprehensive special needs child support agreement with the help of an attorney is not only advisable but vital. This legal support guides parents through the complexities of the process,...

Understanding Florida’s Equitable Distribution Law

What it Means for Your Divorce Divorce can be a challenging experience, especially when it comes to dividing property, assets, and debts. Like many other states, Florida follows the principle of “equitable distribution,” which means the division of marital property is based on what is fair and just rather than simply splitting everything 50/50. In this article, we’ll dive into how equitable distribution works in Florida and what it might mean for you if you're going through a divorce. What is Equitable Distribution? Equitable distribution is the legal principle Florida courts use to divide marital assets and liabilities during a divorce. Unlike community...

Florida’s Laws on Modifying Child Support and Alimony

When and How to Seek Changes Understanding Florida's laws on modifying child support and alimony is crucial. These agreements can be altered under specific conditions, and knowing when and how to petition for these modifications is vital for both parties involved. Whether it’s due to changes in income, health, or other life circumstances, here’s a comprehensive guide on when modifications are permitted and how to navigate the legal process in Florida. Understanding When Modifications are Allowed When it comes to modifying child support or alimony in Florida, a 'substantial change in circumstances' is a key requirement. Understanding this legal standard is crucial, and...

Post-Judgment Modifications Involving Child Support and Timesharing in Florida

A Lawyer’s Perspective Navigating post-judgment modifications involving child support and timesharing in Florida can be a complex and daunting task. As life circumstances change, the original court orders may no longer serve the child's best interests or reflect the parents' current situation. This blog post offers a lawyer's perspective on understanding the intricate legal framework, grounds for modifications, and the process involved in seeking these changes. Understanding Post-Judgment Modifications Post-judgment modifications are adjustments to existing court orders after the final judgment. These modifications include child support, timesharing (custody), and other aspects of the original order. Florida law allows for these modifications when there...

The Divorce Process in Palm Beach County, Florida

A Lawyer’s Perspective Divorce is a challenging and emotional journey that can be even more complex without proper guidance. The divorce process in Palm Beach County, Florida follows specific legal procedures that must be understood and navigated carefully. From filing the initial paperwork to finalizing the divorce, each step requires careful consideration and, often, the expertise of a knowledgeable attorney. Here's an in-depth look at the divorce process in Palm Beach County from a lawyer’s perspective, a perspective that can provide you with the reassurance and confidence you need during this difficult time. Step 1: Preparing for Divorce Before initiating the divorce process,...

Financial Modifications in Family Law

How to Seek Adjustments to Spousal Support and Child Support Orders In family law, circumstances can change unexpectedly, impacting the financial stability of individuals involved in divorce or separation agreements. Whether due to job loss, changes in income, or other significant life events, seeking adjustments to spousal support and child support orders may become necessary to ensure fairness and adequacy for all parties involved. In this detailed blog post, we'll explore the process of seeking financial modifications in family law. Understanding Financial Modifications Financial modifications in family law refer to seeking adjustments to spousal support (alimony) and child support orders due to significant...

Child Support and Visitation Laws in Florida for Unmarried Parents: A Guide by Gisondo Law

Understanding the intricacies of child support and visitation rights, especially for unmarried parents, can be complex. In Florida, comprehending these matters' legal framework is crucial for the child's well-being and the parents involved. Attorney Grant Gisondo, a board-certified family and divorce attorney in Palm Beach Gardens, is your trusted source for clarity and guidance on these important issues. Child Support in Florida: Obligations and Rights In Florida, the obligation to provide child support is not contingent upon marital status. Whether parents are married, divorced, separated, or never married, all are equally responsible for the financial support of their children. The determination of...

Alimony and Child Support: Understanding the Interplay in Divorce Cases

At Gisando Law in Palm Beach, FL, we understand that divorce can bring significant financial challenges for both spouses, especially when it comes to issues of alimony and child support. In many divorce cases, these two forms of financial support intersect, leading to questions about how they are calculated and how they impact each other. This blog post will explore the interplay between alimony and child support in divorce cases, helping you understand your rights and obligations. Alimony: Alimony is financial support paid by one partner to another after a divorce. Its purpose is to help the recipient spouse maintain a standard...

Top Reasons Why Child Support Payments Stop in Florida

Child support is a crucial aspect of ensuring the well-being of children whose parents are no longer together. In Florida, like in many other states, child support is legally mandated to provide financial assistance for the upbringing of the child. However, there are instances where child support payments may come to a halt, leaving both custodial and non-custodial parents in a quandary. In this blog post, we'll delve into some of the top reasons why child support payments may cease in the sunshine state, shedding light on the complexities that often require the expertise of a seasoned child support lawyer. ...

Changes in Employment or Income – Seeking Modifications to Support Orders in Family Law Cases in Florida

In family law cases involving child support or spousal support in Florida, changes in employment or income can significantly impact the ability to meet support obligations. Whether you are the paying party experiencing a decrease in income or the recipient needing an adjustment due to an increase in the paying party's income, it is important to understand how to seek modifications to support orders. In this blog post, we will explore the process of seeking modifications in family law cases in Florida when there are changes in employment or income. Understanding the Impact of Employment or Income Changes Changes in employment or...

Post-Judgment Modifications: child support & timesharing Fl

Post-judgment modification means revisiting a case to hopefully change some of the final rulings. In Florida, two of the final rulings that can be modified post-judgment are child support and parental timesharing. It is important to understand that no final ruling can be changed by the parties involved, even if both parties agree amicably to the change. A post-judgment modification must be made back in family court, usually by the judge who made the initial decision. However, before returning to court, it is wise to enlist the services of a Marital and Family Law professional, as there are several requirements...

Who Pays the Attorney Fees in Child Custody Cases

Child custody in Florida is mainly concerned with the concept of parental timesharing, which includes the equal care and nurturing of children (a minor child is from birth to l8 years of age unless the child is unable to support and care for themselves due to physical and mental reasons). Included in the care and nurturing are terms of overnights, sharing responsibility for educational, spiritual, medical, and discipline concerns, and for following the parenting plan created for their minor child. The term custody is used when one or both parents cannot parent appropriately, including being in jail, having a drug...

Can Child Support Be in a Prenuptial Agreement

Prenuptial Agreement, a legally binding agreement between the two parties before marriage, is usually drawn up by a prenuptial agreement attorney. While it is not required to have an attorney or legal professional help parties draw up a prenuptial agreement, it is wise to do so as providing the agreement is acceptable to the court, should a divorce become necessary, the terms of the prenuptial agreement will be used to help write the final order. Most Family Law attorneys are experienced in helping write prenuptial agreements and can be considered a prenuptial agreement attorney. There are several requirements that must...

In Florida, Do I have to Pay Child Support If I Have No Visitation Rights?

Yes, if you have been ordered to pay child support, you cannot waive that responsibility. Even if you have no visitation rights, you must still pay your ordered child support. In Florida, child support and visitation rights are two separate issues, one not depending on the other. In fact, if you don’t have visitation rights and are hoping to obtain them if your child support payments are in arrears, a judge will not consider your request. Child support is a court-ordered obligation for any couple who have created a child, whether the parents have married, lived together, or met for a...

What Is the Difference Between Alimony and Child Support?

The simple answer to the question What is the difference between alimony and child support is that alimony is a payment made from one spouse to the other for various issues involving support or deserved monetary award. In comparison, child support is a payment from one spouse to the other to help pay for the care of a couple’s minor children. Let’s take a detailed look at each type of support. Alimony: Each state has its own set of guidelines for alimony, so that this blog will focus on Florida. There a six types of alimony or, as more recently termed,...

Should We Tell the Kids We Are Getting Divorced?

The question, should we tell the kids we are getting a divorce? has an answer in the affirmative, but that answer will have a lot of considerations attached to it. Let’s look at the how, when, what, and even where you can tell your kids you are getting a divorce. The first consideration is the age of the children in question. Usually, the younger the child, the less information will be needed, although explaining what a divorce is may be necessary. School-age children will likely have friends whose parents are divorced, so they will be familiar with such issues as timesharing...

Is a Yearly Bonus Considered in Child Support or Alimony

A bonus is an amount of money paid to an employee over and above their regular paycheck. In most instances, a bonus occurs once a year, often at the end of the year though there are times when a bonus is paid more often. Sometimes the bonus is paid simply because the employee has completed a given amount of time with their organization, and a bonus is given to all workers, the amount depending on how long they have been employed. Other times a bonus is given as an incentive for work done or a goal reached. This second type...

Myths In the Law: There Is No Favoritism in The Law

For many years it seemed when it came to parents of minor children seeking custody and child support following a divorce or separation that the courts generally ruled in favor of the mother receiving primary custody and the father paying child support. Times have changed. There is no longer favoritism when it comes to the care and nurturing of minor children. In the state of Florida Family Court has a motto, “In the best interest of the child,” and this saying is translated into how minor children are cared for and who is responsible for paying child support. To be...

What is the Role of a Forensic Psychologist in Child Custody Cases?

Before looking at the role of a forensic psychologist in child custody cases, it makes sense to look at the definition of a forensic psychologist and what their role is. As defined by the American Psychology Association, it is “the application of clinical specialties to the legal arena.” In other words, according to author Jane Tyler Ward, Ph.D., forensic psychology is “the physiological assessment of individuals who are involved in one way or another with the legal system.” She goes on to say the most important skills a forensic psychologist must have are solid clinic skills that include “clinical assessment,...

The Importance of Choosing the Right Mediator During Litigation

Mediation is the agreeing of two parties to solving a legal issue such as a divorce or child support modification by the process of compromise. Each party is usually represented by their attorney, who helps the party look at all offers and consider if a compromise can be reached, and the issue solved. Reaching an agreement in mediation is less expensive than going to court, both in legal fees and court costs. Additionally, In mediation, the parties have control over the outcome of their litigation rather than a judge deciding for them. The mediation transcripts are private and cannot be...

Should You Tell Your Children You Are Getting Divorced?

The answer to this question is really more when you should tell your children you are getting divorced. Eventually, even a very young child will find out Mommy and Daddy do not live together anymore. What is important is to think about a number of considerations before sharing the sad news with your children. Here are some tips to help you think through and decide how best to share the news about the divorce. First and foremost, you should, as parents, work together to decide when it is best and when how to tell your children about the divorce. Hopefully,...

How Are Marital Homes Handled in Divorce

In a dissolution of marriage (divorce), Florida is an equitable distribution state for dividing marital assets and liabilities, including real estate, which includes marital homes. While a judge will often order a marital home sold and the equity divided 50/50, there are other ways the marital home asset can be handled. Equitable means fair rather than equal, so Florida Family Court has a variety of options. Before any option handling a marital home is presented, the true ownership of the home must be established. If the home belonged entirely to a party before marriage, he or she would continue to own...