What Expenses Are Covered By Child Support In Fort Lauderdale?

When parents are no longer living together, either due to divorce or other separation, getting a child support order in Fort Lauderdale is a good idea. It helps to ensure children are provided for properly and that payments are made in a timely manner. Our Fort Lauderdale child support lawyer explains three types of expenses often included in this type of order and factors that the court will consider in determining the total amount that must be paid.

Three Types Of Expenses In A Fort Lauderdale Child Support Order

Under the Florida Statutes, parents have a legal obligation to provide for their child. In cases of divorce, child support is routinely included as part of other divorce-related legal proceedings. For unmarried parents, child support can be requested through the court through a separate legal action, often in the aftermath of paternity proceedings.

Obtaining a formal child support order helps ensure you get the total amount you are entitled to. It also provides options in terms of enforcement efforts. There are three basic types of expenses covered by a child support order in Fort Lauderdale:

• Basic living expenses: Child support helps in covering your child’s basic needs, including housing, food, and clothing.
• Healthcare expenses: This includes health insurance, co-payments at the doctor, any specialized care your child needs, and other costs including yearly physicals, immunizations, hearing and vision tests, and braces or other dental care.
• Educational expenses: These include the cost of school supplies, computers, textbooks, lab fees, and other school-related expenses, such as field trips and certain extracurricular activities. They may also cover private school, activity fees, school uniforms, special tutoring, or other help your child needs. For older children, costs associated with visiting colleges, preparatory exams, and college application fees can be covered as well.

What Factors Does The Court Consider Before Ordering Child Support In Fort Lauderdale?

When parents do not live together, it can put a significant strain on resources. Unfortunately, children often suffer in this situation. Getting a formal child support order through the Broward County Court helps ensure they have what they need. While child support guidelines are listed under the Florida Statutes, other factors the judge in your case will consider include:

• Each parent’s individual income and assets;
• The terms of any child time-sharing orders or parenting plans in place;
• Any special needs the child has;
• The amount needed to maintain the same type of lifestyle as when the parents were together.

Request A Consultation With Our Fort Lauderdale Child Support Lawyer

Child support helps ensure children are provided for in the event of a divorce or separation. At the law office of Vanessa L. Prieto, we provide the caring support and trusted legal counsel you need to obtain a formal child support order and ensure it gets paid. To request a consultation with our Fort Lauderdale child support lawyer, call or contact our office online today.

Sources:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.30.html

browardclerk.org/Divisions/Family