Panama City, Florida Child Support Lawyers

 

A divorce can be an emotionally trying experience, and as such, it is not uncommon for things to get heated, especially when finances are involved.  Oftentimes, child support is an important part of reaching a satisfactory divorce settlement.  Other times, the divorce has been litigated and there has been a change in circumstances warranting a review of the previously entered child support amount.  If you are experiencing a divorce, have been served with child support modification pleadings or are seeking an increase or decrease in already established child support amounts, experienced legal counsel at your side can make all the difference.   At Virga Law Offices, P.A., we have handled numerous child support issues from both sides of the table and can explain child support enforcement, modification and calculation.

 

How Much Is Enough And How Is It Calculated?

 

There are usually two clear sides of the child support debate.  The person receiving child support wants to receive enough to effectively support their children, and as such, usually wants more than the other person is willing to give.  On the other hand, the party providing the support feels that they should not have to pay that much.  Most of the time each party is concerned with how the child support determination is going to affect their standard of living.  Unfortunately, the child support determination can affect your standard of living, but a knowledgeable child support lawyer can assist you in achieving a fair result.

 

How much child support is awarded has been largely established by the Florida Legislature by and through its enactment of the Florida Child Support Guidelines.  The Florida Child Support Guidelines utilize a formula in which the financial information of each party is inputted to determine the appropriate amount of child support.  It is extremely important that the numbers be accurate to reach this calculation.  The Child Support lawyers at Virga Law Offices, P.A. will review each party’s disclosures, in detail, to determine whether or not the calculations are correct.  In some cases, additional investigation into the opposing party’s finances may be necessary where it appears they have not made a full and fair disclosure of their financial situation.  Other factors that the Court may consider are day care expenses, health care expenses, education, extracurricular expenses and a variety of other expenses.

 

When Is Child Support Enforceable or Modifiable?

 

Once a child support order has been entered by a Family Law Judge, it may be subject to a suit for enforcement, i.e., contempt or modification.  An action for child support enforcement is appropriate where the party responsible for child support fails to meet its financial obligations, either timely, the entire amount or both.  Sanctions for their failing to follow the Child Support Order may include incarceration, driver’s license suspension, court costs and attorney’s fees.

 

An action for Modification of Child Support is the process by which the Court reviews an existing Child Support Order either to increase or decrease child support obligations.  Child support is modifiable when there has been a substantial change in financial circumstances for either party, usually due to changes in employment or income.

 

How Can Virga Law Offices, P.A. Help Me?

 

At Virga Law Offices, P.A. our experienced Child Support lawyers understand how stressful and frightening it can be to become involved with the Family Law Courts.  As such, the Child Support lawyers at Virga Law Offices will help you navigate through the system and preserve your rights.  If retained, the Child Support lawyers at Virga Law Offices, P.A. will prepare the pleadings and any necessary responses, as well as investigate and review the financial documentation of each party  to insure an accurate result.  Contact Virga Law Offices, P.A. today for your free initial consultation so you can get back to focusing on what’s important to you.

 

The Panama City, Florida Child Support Lawyers at Virga Law Offices, P.A. proudly serve Northwest Florida including the following cities and counties:    Apalachicola, Blountstown, Bonifay, Chipley, Lynn Haven, Marianna, Mexico Beach, Panama City, Panama City Beach, Port St. Joe, Springfield and Tyndall Air Force Base; Bay County, Calhoun County, Franklin County ,Gulf County, Holmes County, Jackson County , and Washington County.