The cost of living in the United States continues to rise with no reprieve in sight. For Florida families these days, it typically takes two incomes just to get by. When parents separate, it often creates financial hardships. Fortunately, the child support system in Florida was established to help meet the economic needs of children whose parents divorce or separate. However, child support money should only be used for certain things.
Child support basics
Essentially, child support refers to a monetary payment made by the noncustodial parent to the custodial parent. Both parents are required to share the financial responsibility of providing their children with basic needs such as food, shelter and clothing. Child support money that the custodial parent is intended to be used to pay for these basic necessities.
Child support with joint physical custody
When parents share custody, child support obligations can be modified in some cases. It will depend on the amount of time kids are with each parent, but child support payments may be amended to reflect the financial responsibility parents share in joint physical custody. Also, expenses like health care, extracurricular activities and daycare can be factored into child support.
Legal assistance
Parents may not always see eye-to-eye on child support arrangements, though they should act in good faith and try to resolve disputes. However, every situation is unique. A parent in Florida who has questions or needs legal advice regarding child support or family law matters can get help by speaking with an experienced and knowledgeable attorney who can provide situation-specific guidance.