Making sense of child support starts with the right advocate. At McNary Law, we know that raising a child is both an emotional and financial commitment, and ensuring your child receives proper support is crucial.
Whether you are establishing child support, modifying an existing order, or enforcing unpaid support, our Bradenton-based attorneys represent clients throughout Bradenton and Sarasota with compassion and clarity. Let us help you understand your rights, your obligations, and the best path forward for your family’s future.
Understanding Child Support in Florida
Child support is not optional—it’s a legal obligation. In Florida, both parents are financially responsible for their children, regardless of custody arrangements. If you’re navigating a divorce, paternity case, or child custody dispute, child support will almost certainly be part of the process.
How Is Child Support Calculated in Florida?
Florida uses a statutory guideline formula (see §61.30, Fla. Stat.) that takes into account:
Gross monthly income of both parents
Time-sharing schedule (overnights spent with each parent)
Health insurance costs for the child
Childcare or daycare expenses
Other special needs or extraordinary costs
This formula is not rigid—courts can deviate if it’s in the child’s best interest. A skilled child support attorney in Bradenton or Sarasota can help ensure all relevant factors are considered fairly.
Common Questions About Child Support
Do I Have to Pay Child Support If We Share 50/50 Custody?
Yes—equal time-sharing does not eliminate support obligations. If one parent earns significantly more or pays for the majority of the child’s expenses, the court may still order child support to balance financial responsibilities.
Can We Agree to Waive Child Support?
No. Child support belongs to the child, not the parent. Even if both parents agree to waive it, the court must approve the arrangement, and will only do so if it serves the child’s best interests.
What Happens If My Ex Doesn’t Pay Child Support?
Florida law provides several enforcement options:
Income withholding orders
Driver’s license suspension
Passport denial
Contempt of court charges, including jail time
We can help enforce or defend against these measures while protecting your rights.
Modifying Child Support in Florida
Life changes—so can child support. To request a modification, you must demonstrate a substantial, unanticipated, and permanent change in circumstances, such as:
Job loss or major income change
A shift in the time-sharing schedule
A child’s medical needs increasing
A parent becoming disabled
Whether you’re seeking or contesting a modification, our attorneys can help present your case clearly and effectively.
Child Support in Divorce and Paternity Cases
Child support is closely tied to other areas of family law. For example:
In divorce, child support is calculated as part of the final judgment.
In paternity cases, support cannot be ordered until legal fatherhood is established (see Chapter 742, Fla. Stat.).
In custody disputes, changes to time-sharing can directly impact support.
Because of this overlap, our firm often integrates child support representation with divorce, custody, and modification matters.
Enforcement Through the Department of Revenue (DOR)
Some child support orders are managed by Florida’s Department of Revenue, which has the authority to collect and enforce payments. While helpful in many cases, the DOR is not your attorney. If you’re dealing with delays, mistakes, or complex legal issues, we can step in to represent your best interests—whether you’re the recipient or the paying parent.
Why Choose McNary Law?
As a trusted family law firm serving Bradenton and Sarasota, we are:
Compassionate problem-solvers: We prioritize your family’s needs.
Strategic advocates: We’ll prepare a customized plan for your specific case.
Experienced in litigation and negotiation: Whether in court or mediation, we fight for the best outcomes.
Grounded in community values: We live and work in the communities we serve.
From initial filings to post-judgment enforcement, we’re with you every step of the way.
We Also Handle:
Family law is rarely simple. But with the right attorney, it can be manageable—and even empowering.
Ready to Talk?
You don’t have to navigate child support alone. Whether you’re in Bradenton, Sarasota, or anywhere in between, McNary Law is ready to help.
Click here to send us a message or call us today at 941-345-1662 to schedule a consultation.
