When a Parent Refuses to Pay Child Support in Fort Lauderdale: What Can You Do?

Raising a child is expensive. Getting child support in Fort Lauderdale helps those who would otherwise struggle to cover all the necessary costs. Florida law requires all parents to provide for their children financially, but some parents refuse to pay. Our Fort Lauderdale child support lawyer explains common reasons why and the steps you can take to get the total amount your child is entitled to.

Common Reasons Parents Fail to Pay Child Support In Fort Lauderdale

Child support helps provide financially for children in cases of divorced and single parents, ensuring they have what they need to thrive. Parents in Fort Lauderdale not only have a moral duty to pay support-they also have a financial obligation. Getting a court order is the best way to ensure the other parent pays their fair share.

Under the Florida Statutes, child support in Broward County is determined based on the child’s needs and each parent’s financial situation. Common reasons parents stop paying include:

• Financial hardships, such as a job loss, cuts in hours, or unexpected medical expenses;
• Disagreements over child time-sharing, where a parent may withhold support due to disputes over parenting plans;
• Claims that the child support amount is unfair or excessive;
• Other financial obligations, such as supporting children from other relationships;
• Willful refusal to comply, sometimes as a way to retaliate or ‘get even’ with the other parent.

Regardless of the reason, Florida courts take child support enforcement seriously. One of the benefits of getting court-ordered child support in Fort Lauderdale is that if your child’s other parent refuses to pay, there are legal enforcement actions you can take.

How to Enforce Child Support in Fort Lauderdale

If the other parent refuses to provide support or pays less than what the court ordered, you can take legal action. They can be held in contempt in Broward County Family Court hearings and subject to enforcement actions through the Florida Department of Revenue. These include:

• Wage garnishment, in which child support payments are deducted directly from their paycheck;
• Seizure of funds in bank accounts, which can help offset current child support debts and any past due amounts owed;
• Seizure of federal or state refunds;
• Liens on property, such as real estate or motor vehicles;
• Seizure of unemployment, Social Security, and Veteran’s benefits.

License suspensions, adverse credit reporting, and other penalties all provide a powerful incentive to make the other parent pay.

To Get The Money Your Child Is Owed, Request A Consultation Today With Our Fort Lauderdale Child Support Lawyer

Child support helps ensure children have what they need in cases of divorced or single parents. Getting a child support order in Fort Lauderdale helps ensure these funds are paid.

If you need help getting a court order or if your child’s other parent is refusing to pay, Vanessa L. Prieto is here to help. To get the total amount your child is owed, contact our office and request a consultation with our experienced Fort Lauderdale child support lawyer today.

Sources:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.13.html

floridarevenue.com/childsupport/Pages/default.aspx