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It's been eight years. The child is older. Both parents are making more money. The non-custodial parent now owns a thriving business—but still hasn't shown up consistently for their child. They haven't used their 35 allotted overnights a year, barely visit a few times annually, rarely call or che...

Learn why temporary agreements during divorce can have permanent consequences and how Family Matters Law Group, P.A. helps protect your future from day one. Keywords: temporary agreements during divorce, Florida divorce attorney, parenting plan Florida, divorce lawyer Family Matters Law Group, temporary support Florida

This blog addresses the widespread misconception that child support enforcement is unconstitutional or driven by government profit motives under 42 U.S. Code § 658. It clarifies that federal incentives support state enforcement efforts to reduce reliance on public assistance programs like TANF, Medicaid, and SNAP—not to penalize parents. The article explains how due process protections still apply in child support cases and emphasizes the true purpose of child support: ensuring that children receive the financial support they need from both parents. Designed to educate and empower, this post is a must-read for anyone navigating Florida family court.

Florida’s Administrative Child Support Process: How the DOR Gains Jurisdiction and Enforces Support The Florida Department of Revenue (DOR) has the authority to establish and enforce child support orders without court involvement through an administrative process. This power comes from Title IV-D of the Social Security Act and Florida Statutes (Sections 409.2551, 409.2557, and 409.2563), which allow the DOR to handle child support cases efficiently. How the DOR Gains Jurisdiction in Florida Child Support Cases The DOR initiates cases by serving the noncustodial parent with an Initial Notice of Proceeding to Establish Administrative Support Order. This can be done via: • Certified mail (if the parent signs for it). • Personal service by a process server. • Publication (if the parent cannot be located). Once properly served, the DOR gains jurisdiction and can determine child support obligations based on available financial information, including wage records and tax returns. How the DOR Establishes and Enforces Child Support Orders If the noncustodial parent does not respond or contest, the DOR issues an Administrative Support Order, which functions like a court order. If payments are missed, the DOR can take enforcement actions such as: • Wage garnishment • Driver’s license suspension • Bank account seizures • Tax refund interception • Property liens Challenges and Considerations for Parents While the administrative process is efficient, it can create challenges for parents who fail to respond. Default orders may not reflect actual earnings, and enforcement actions can be taken without a judge’s approval. Parents have the right to request a hearing and challenge calculations, but they must act quickly. Key Takeaways • The DOR has authority to establish and enforce child support without court involvement. • Parents must respond to notices to ensure accurate calculations. • The DOR can take aggressive enforcement actions without court approval. • Parents have the right to challenge support orders and request a modification if necessary. For personalized guidance on Florida child support cases, contact Family Matters Law Group, P.A. today!

Here’s a summary of the blog: In Florida family law cases, voluntary unemployment or underemployment doesn’t excuse a person from financial obligations like child support or alimony. Courts can *impute income* to an individual, meaning they will calculate financial responsibilities based on what the person *could* be earning, even if they are not currently working. This often occurs when someone quits their job before or during a divorce. The court will consider factors like work history, education, and job opportunities to determine a fair income level. If you're involved in a case where voluntary unemployment is an issue, Family Matters Law Group, P.A. can provide guidance.

**Understanding the 50/50 Presumption in Florida Child Support and Timesharing** In Florida, the 50/50 presumption is a key concept in child custody and timesharing law. It assumes that both parents should have equal timesharing unless one parent can prove that a 50/50 arrangement is not in the child’s best interest. This blog explains the implications of this presumption for Florida parents, including how to negotiate timesharing and child support creatively. Learn about your rights under Florida family law, the flexibility in child support calculations, and how to navigate these complex issues. For expert advice, contact Family Matters Law Group, P.A., your trusted Florida family law attorneys. **Keywords:** 50/50 presumption, Florida child custody law, Florida family law, child support in Florida, timesharing in Florida, Florida family law attorney

Determining income in Florida family law cases is complex, extending beyond just W-2 income to include various income sources like side hustles, rental properties, and online businesses. Courts consider a broad range of income, including those not typically taxable, such as electronic transactions through platforms like Venmo. It's essential to thoroughly investigate all financial disclosures, as reported income may not reflect the full picture. Family Matters Law Group, P.A. ensures a comprehensive review of financials to uncover unreported income, leading to fairer outcomes in divorce, alimony, and child support cases.

This blog article explains how income is calculated for business owners in Florida Family Court, particularly in cases involving alimony and child support. It outlines the various forms of income a business owner might receive, including salary (W-2 income), shareholder distributions (K-1), and expense reimbursements, which may be considered in-kind income. The court evaluates all these income sources to ensure fair financial support. The article emphasizes the importance of understanding how your income is calculated and the value of consulting with a knowledgeable attorney during legal proceedings.

This blog addresses the unique challenges stay-at-home moms face when they separate from their partners without having been married. It highlights that, unlike in divorces, there is no entitlement to alimony in such breakups, which can leave many financially vulnerable. The blog explains that while child support is available, it is intended only for the children's needs and not for the personal financial support of the mother. It offers practical advice for achieving financial independence, such as upgrading skills, budgeting, and seeking professional career and financial planning advice. Emotional and legal support is also recommended to help manage the transition. The goal of the blog is to empower stay-at-home moms with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate the financial realities of their new circumstances effectively.

When a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, their probable earnings are assessed based on recent work history, qualifications, and community wage levels.

To sum it up, child support in Florida follows a specific formula and can be modified in the future if there are significant changes in the relevant factors. If you're in need of more information or considering seeking legal assistance for child support matters, don't hesitate to reach out to our team at Family Matters Law Group. We're here to provide guidance and support to help you navigate the complexities of child support in Florida Family Court.