Sarasota Child Support Lawyer

What Is Child Support?

Child support is a legal obligation for a parent to provide financial assistance to help cover the basic needs of their child, including housing, food, education, and healthcare. In Florida, both parents are legally responsible for supporting their children, even if the parents are no longer together.

The court typically calculates child support based on the Florida Child Support Guidelines, which consider:

• Each parent’s income

• Health insurance and medical expenses

• Childcare costs

• The number of overnight stays each parent has with the child

• Other necessary expenses

The goal is to maintain the child’s standard of living as close as possible to what it would have been if the parents remained together.

How Is Child Support Calculated in Florida?

Florida courts use a specific formula outlined in Section 61.30 of the Florida Statutes. Important factors include:

• Net Income: The court will determine each parent’s net income after taxes and allowable deductions.

• Percentage of Responsibility: Each parent’s share of the combined income determines their percentage of the child support obligation.

• Parenting Time: How many overnights each parent spends with the child can directly impact the support amount.

Because calculations can be complex, working with an experienced Sarasota child support lawyer ensures that all income, deductions, and credits are accurately accounted for.

When Can Child Support Be Modified?

Child support orders are not necessarily permanent. Either parent can request a modification if there is a significant, material, and involuntary change in circumstances, such as:

• Loss of employment

• Substantial increase or decrease in income

• Change in the child’s needs (such as medical or educational requirements)

• Changes in the parenting time schedule

At McNary Law, we regularly assist Sarasota families with child support modifications, ensuring the new arrangement is fair and legally enforceable.

Enforcing Child Support Orders

If a parent fails to comply with a court-ordered child support obligation, Florida law provides several enforcement mechanisms, including:

• Income withholding orders

• Suspension of driver’s or professional licenses

• Tax refund intercepts

• Contempt proceedings, which can result in fines or even jail time

Having a Sarasota child support lawyer on your side can make all the difference when pursuing enforcement or defending against enforcement actions.

Common Child Support Questions

Can child support be waived?

No. In Florida, child support belongs to the child, not the parents. Therefore, it cannot be permanently waived, even if both parents agree.

What if my child’s other parent is self-employed?

Self-employment can complicate child support cases, as income may be hidden or fluctuating. A seasoned Sarasota child support lawyer can uncover the true income through discovery tools like subpoenas, depositions, and financial audits.

How long does child support last?

Generally, child support in Florida continues until the child turns 18. However, it can extend beyond 18 if the child is still in high school and expected to graduate before turning 19, or if the child has special needs.

Why Choose McNary Law?

Choosing the right legal partner matters. At McNary Law, we combine extensive family law experience with a compassionate, client-centered approach. We proudly serve Sarasota, Bradenton, Lakewood Ranch, and the surrounding areas, offering services in child support, child custody, divorce, modifications, and paternity cases​Service Areas​Practice Areas.

Our Sarasota Child Support Lawyers offer:

• Personalized strategy tailored to your family’s needs

• Transparent communication every step of the way

• Aggressive advocacy both inside and outside the courtroom

• A proven track record of successful outcomes for families

We understand the emotional and financial stakes involved in child support cases—and we’re here to fight for what’s fair.

Our Service Areas

We assist clients throughout:

• Sarasota

• Bradenton

• Lakewood Ranch

• Ellenton

• Palmetto

• Parrish

• University Park

• Holmes Beach

• Anna Maria Island

• Longboat Key

If you need legal guidance for your child support case, whether establishing, enforcing, or modifying a support order, contact McNary Law today to schedule a confidential consultation.

Final Thoughts

Child support is more than just a financial obligation—it’s about ensuring your child’s well-being and future. Whether you are facing an initial child support determination, a modification, or an enforcement matter, our dedicated Sarasota Child Support Lawyers are ready to guide you through every step of the process.