What can be done to enforce child support payments?

By Katz & Phillips  Jul. 9, 2010 9:11a

Unfortunately, not all parents have the virtue of being responsible when it comes to keeping agreements personally or legally.  Both parents are responsible for supporting children after a divorce and failure to pay child support is not taken lightly in the eyes of the law. If you or someone you know is having trouble with enforcing child support, the first thing you need to do is contact a family law attorney knowledgeable in child support and family law issues.

A common method used in the courts to enforce the payment of child support is called a motion for contempt. First of all, there would have to have been a court order already in place that stated what the child support amount was supposed to be. If this is being violated, the motion for contempt is a tool for enforcement that can be used. Your case is reopened and a request is put into the courts to enforce compliance with the motion. The partner involved in trying to get compliance should be working with a family law attorney as there are certain steps that must be in place prior to being able to have this motion filed. In the state of Florida, child support is usually awarded to the custodial parent but the court has the ability to order both parents to pay support.

Seeking Legal Advice for Child Support Issues

Divorce, and all of the decisions that come along with it, can be emotionally draining. Child support issues are important to have resolved with attention to detail. At Katz & Phillips, we have attorneys who are knowledgeable in this area who can help you. We know what details involving child support are important to have properly arranged and can work closely with you to ensure it's done correctly and with care. We can also help you with modifications to any existing child support agreements if needed as circumstances can change and new agreements need to be created and documented.

Contact an Orlando Family Law Attorney at our office for a free consultation if you or someone you know is having problems with child support.