From Dispute to Resolution: The Journey with a Child Custody Attorney
Florida law requires both parents to financially look after their children. In many cases, this is accomplished through a court-ordered child support payment from one parent to the primary care-taker of the child. If your former spouse is not paying child support as agreed, a West Palm Beach lawyer could help you seek enforcement action.
A skilled attorney could explain your legal options during an initial consultation. Depending on the circumstances, your attorney may recommend negotiating a settlement with the noncompliant party or working collaboratively with local child support enforcement agencies. In severe situations, a judge can revoke your ex’s driver’s license and freeze assets like bank accounts or credit cards. A knowledgeable lawyer could also discuss ways to avoid these penalties during an initial consultation.
The Law Offices of Lydia Charles, LLC, resolves legal family disputes in West Palm Beach and surrounding areas. Its practice areas include divorce, custody, and spousal support cases. It also handles domestic violence issues and restraining orders. Its team includes attorneys who are fluent in French and Creole.
During a free consultation, a West Palm Beach child support attorney could review your specific situation and explain your options. Typically, an attorney will work on your behalf to collect or establish a child support amount that is based on the Florida child-support guidelines. This formula takes into account both parents’ net incomes, allowing the courts to determine appropriate levels of support. Then, the attorney can prepare a comprehensive parenting plan that is in your best interests and those of your child or children.
Some factors that influence child support include the percentage of time the children spend with each parent, each parent’s gross income, and daycare costs. A skilled lawyer would also help you navigate alimony proceedings, including when it’s necessary to modify an existing alimony agreement or when your ex requests a modification to their original support order.
If your ex fails to pay child support as ordered, a skilled West Palm Beach attorney could file a petition for contempt. This could result in your ex being obligated to pay back the unpaid amounts as well as pay a late fee. The attorney may also work with your local department of revenue to obtain a wage garnishment or intercept tax refunds to pursue collection.
Davis and Associates, Attorneys at Law in Florida, works with individuals in the West Palm Beach area who need an experienced lawyer to help with a child support matter. The firm helps clients obtain or enforce an appropriate child support amount, and it can help with modifications or restraining orders. The firm can even assist with child support-related IRS matters and can guide clients through the process of obtaining or contesting an administrative hearing on child support. Its attorneys have decades of combined experience handling family law cases, including divorce, alimony, and child support. The firm has been recognized by Super Lawyers, which is a national rating service of lawyers. Its attorneys are also members of the Florida Bar Association.