Child Support Lawyer in Sarasota
The calculation and determination of child support, if any, is necessary in every divorce or separation case involving minor children. Every parent must financially support their child. What is often missed in these cases is that the right to child support belongs to the child.
The amount of support to be exchanged between parties and the enforcement of that support is often the subject of expensive and time-consuming litigation in Florida.
At McDermott Law Offices, PLLC, we represent divorcing, separating, or never-married parents in this matter. Our firm seeks to resolve child support disputes outside court through negotiation, mediation, or collaborative law. These methods help you avoid the time, expense, and stress of courtroom litigation.
However, where issues cannot be resolved through these methods, you can rely on the trial experience of Attorney McDermott, who has spent over 20 years fighting for the rights and interests of Florida parents and children. Our team is dedicated to guiding you through the legal process with clarity and empathy, ensuring your needs and those of your children are met. We employ a comprehensive approach that examines every aspect of your financial situation to advocate for fair child support arrangements.
Contact our child support attorney in Sarasota for a consultation by email on our contact form or by phone at (941) 837-5071.
Paternity & Child Support
Child support is often a vital issue in paternity cases that must be resolved. If paternity is established, the court must order a parent to pay child support according to the guidelines. The father can also seek visitation rights once paternity has been established. Paternity cases can be complex, and working with an experienced family law attorney is essential to protect your rights and interests.
Establishing paternity can involve several legal processes, including DNA testing and court proceedings. This process ensures that both parents contribute to the child's upbringing, reinforcing the child's legal rights. By securing a legal acknowledgment of paternity, it becomes feasible to create a structured child support agreement tailored to the child's unique needs. This confirmation also opens doors for the child to access benefits such as social security or veterans' benefits, if applicable, providing an additional layer of financial security.
Child Support Modifications & Enforcement
Child support orders can be modified if a parent's or child’s circumstances significantly change. This might include a parental job loss, increased income, or a change in custody arrangements. To modify a child support order, either parent can file a request with the court outlining the change in circumstances. If both parents agree on the modification, they can submit a joint petition to modify the order.
If one parent fails to pay child support, enforcing the order through various legal means is possible. As the recipient of child support, you must seek enforcement through a petition to the court. Where delinquency is shown, courts can enforce the support through wage garnishment or interception of tax refunds.
Child support modifications and enforcement ensure that the agreements are fair and reflective of current situations. Parents experiencing significant life changes, such as disability or remarriage, might need to revisit terms to prevent financial strain. Additionally, enforcement mechanisms may include seizing property or suspending licenses to ensure compliance, demonstrating the legal system's commitment to upholding the child's welfare. Consulting with a knowledgeable child support lawyer in Sarasota can streamline these processes, minimizing the impact on the family.
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I was shown nothing but respect, professionalism, compassion, and integrity... my case was handled with the utmost care and importance.
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Paul was always calm, organized, and helpful during my time of need. The team was also very caring and considerate like it was their own life they were dealing with!
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I strongly recommend using Paul McDermott. Paul always had my best interests in mind when deciding our course of action.
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