Florida Child Support Lawyer
The family courts of Florida have a legal obligation to always preserve the best interests of any children affected by the court’s rulings. Florida state law upholds that a child is entitled to financial support from both of their parents in equal measure, and family court judges generally uphold that children benefit most from equal access to both of their parents. When married parents divorce or when unmarried parents decide to live as separate single parents, they must resolve custody of their children through the family court, and this almost alwaysleads to a child support determination as well.
Legal Counsel for Florida, Child Support Disputes
Whether you are bracing for a complex, multifaceted divorce, a standalone child custody determination, or returning to family court to adjust your current child support terms, the right Florida child support attorney can be an incredible asset as you navigate these contentious proceedings. Johnson O’Keefe has years of experience representing Florida clients in the family court system, and our team is confident in our ability to address the unique aspects of your case.
Our Attorneys Meet Your Legal Team
At Johnson O'Keefe, our team of skilled and understanding legal professionals proudly provides comprehensive and efficient legal services for all clients.
Understanding Child Custody and Child Support Determination
Whenever parents go to Florida family court to resolve child custody and/or child support, each parent needs to know what to expect in these difficult cases. It’s natural for any parent to want as much time as possible with their children, and it is also possible for personal issues between parents to interfere with their decisions in custody and support determinations. Unfortunately, some divorcing parents attempt to use their children as leverage against one another, and this can easily lead to irreparable harm between parents and their children.
If you are preparing to divorce your co-parent or if you are an unmarried parent in need of a legally enforceable custody and support order, you must remember that the family court has a legal obligation to always rule in favor of the best interests of any children affected by the court’s ruling. No matter how convinced you may be of your negotiating petition in a custody and support dispute, the judge overseeing your case has the final say, and Florida state law requires any judge resolving custody to assess numerous factors in any given case:
- The judge must assess the fitness of both parents. If one parent is more fit than the other due to criminal behavior, domestic abuse, addiction, or other issues that present dangers to the child, a judge will always award custody to whichever parent they deem most fit to handle their parental responsibilities. The noncustodial parent is then responsible for paying child support to the custodial parent per the court’s directions.
- The judge must calculate the child’s basic living expenses and the cost of living in the area. Next, the judge uses these factors to determine the total amount of child support the child should receive from both parents combined each month. Then, the judge divides this amount in half to arrive at each spouse’s respective support obligation.
- The judge will use the custody terms settled in the case to inform their support determination. For example, if a noncustodial parent has little to no physical custody of their child, they are likely to owe more in support than a parent who shares a joint parenting plan with their co-parent in equal measure.
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Helped me through a difficult divorce and made what I thought was going to be an impossible process so much easier. Everything was handled well, they listened to all my concerns, and responded in a timely manner. I would highly recommend using Johnson O'Keefe, they are amazing!- Sonja
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I called Johnson Law Group extremely frustrated and stressed with the process of my custody case. From the consultation to every conversation after, Elizabeth went out of her way to make sure that i was comfortable with all the matters and decisions. I highly recommend Elizabeth and the whole Johnson O'Keefe team to anyone going through custody matters. Elizabeth, Cassidy, and Paola were amazing, and made me feel like i was a friend, not just a client. I would happily use them again if needed.- Patricia
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I worked with Elizabeth and she did way more for me than I thought possible. I was in a bad situation when I came in. She took my case then proceeded to go above and beyond until the very end. With them working my case my stress about the whole thing was pretty much gone.- Nick D.
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I wasn’t familiar with the process of child custody but I must say not only did Myles and his team direct me properly but it was a process that wasn’t money motivated. Very professional group, I was constantly informed of any step or move needed to be made. When you have someone in your corner that understands the importance of family it makes the situation a ton easier, thank you Myles and Johnson group for everything!- Dwight
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Johnson O'Keefe did and is doing an excellent job with my case. Thanks for all help and wish you all a great future.- Mista
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Myles was excellent during my divorce and custody case. I had a very high-stress, and complicated situation, and not only was he efficient, but he kept me at ease throughout the entire process.- Former Client
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Myles took great care in guiding a smooth process from start to finish drafting a prenuptial agreement. Very happy with the final result.- Nick
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Johnson O'Keefe has the greatest Attorneys and staff in Colorado State. I recommend every family to choose this Law Firm. Attorney Genet Johnson and Myles Johnson has profound knowledge of the Law, and they can help individuals to have balance, peace of mind, avoid issues, assist with problems, work on important aspects of communication/listening, each solution carefully crafted, negotiate, prompted responding, support their clients, manage day to day operations, efficient, professional, prepare in a timely matter, reliable, trust worthy, explain everything before proceeding, dedicated, and patience.- Cierra
How Your Attorney Can Help
If you are required to pay child support, it is vital to adhere closely to the terms of your support order. Any violation of your child support obligations could lead to contempt of court and/or criminal prosecution. In addition, if you are owed child support from a co-parent, it’s vital to know how to address any incomplete, late, or refused payments as efficiently as possible.
When you choose Johnson O’Keefe to represent you in a child support determination, our goal is to help you reach the fairest possible outcome to the case that ensures your child has the support they need from both of their parents. Child support may also fluctuate over time as a child’s needs change or as the parents’ financial situations change. For example, if you are required to pay child support but unexpectedly lose your job or suffer an injury, these events could influence your ability to meet your support obligation.
A Florida child support attorney can help a client secure favorable terms in an initial support determination and provide ongoing legal counsel if the parent must return to court later to request a modification. The Florida family court allows a parent to make reasonable changes to their child support terms in certain circumstances. If you need assistance resolving any custody dispute in the Florida, area, Johnson O’Keefe can provide the compassionate and responsive legal counsel you need to approach this difficult case with greater confidence.
Contact Johnson O’Keefe today and schedule a consultation with a Florida child support attorney you can trust to guide you through your case.
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Individualized AttentionJust as each family is unique, so is each family legal matter. We always take the time to completely understand your situation so that we can tailor our advice and strategy accordingly.
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Highly RecommendedOur clients often take the time to write and thank us, not only for the results we have earned for them but also for the respect we’ve shown them.
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Supportive CounselWe never lose sight of the fact that divorce and other household conflicts can feel overwhelming. Our family lawyers will answer all of your questions to ease your burden in this difficult time.
