Changes made this year to Florida's child support laws may be of special interest to some fathers. The new law states that fathers who have less overall visitation time with their children but a minimum of 20 percent of overnight visits could be entitled to a reduction in their payments. This amount is determined by a sliding scale set by statute as outlined in the new law.

Before this significant change was made, a reduction in child support payments would only be granted to fathers who had a minimum of 40 percent overnights with their children. This will greatly benefit fathers who have less overtime nights but are still in financial need of a reduction in their payments.

There are other significant changes in the new law that fathers should also make themselves aware of.  For example, if a parent must be pay child support for more than one child, each order must include a termination date for the amount of support, and the reduction of this payment with that ending date.

Have questions about child support? Contact our office today to get answers from a Jacksonville family lawyer.

In the state of Florida, a child support order tells a parent exactly what he or she must do to support his or her child.  The amount of the child support order that is awarded will always be based upon the laws of the state and the state's child support guidelines, which are used to make sure that payment amounts are fair.

Generally, the state of Florida will consider the following factors and guidelines before determining the amount of a child support order:

§  Income of both parents

§  Children's health and health needs

§  Children's standard needs

After considering these guidelines, the court will decide upon the amount of child support a parent has to pay.  It is important to note that in some cases, the amount of child support awarded may be higher or lower than the state's established guidelines.  For example, if a child has special needs, the child support amount that is awarded may be higher.

If you would like to get an estimate of how much child support you will have to pay or will receive, you should speak with a Jacksonville family law attorney.  Contact our firm today to set up an initial case evaluation.

Are you currently going through a tumultuous divorce?  Are you and your spouse finding it extremely difficult to come to an agreement on the most important issues, such as child custody or child support?  If so, now is the time to speak with a Jacksonville divorce lawyer at Ellerin Hutchinson. 

At our Florida law office, we work with people who are going through strenuous contested divorces and we aim to provide our clients with the guidance, reassurance and services they need to resolve matters quickly.  With our involvement, people have a much better chance of expediting their divorces and obtaining favorable outcomes when it comes to issues like property distribution or even visitation.

As experienced Jacksonville family law attorneys, we know that when people are going through contested divorces, they need legal services and resources that they can count on.  Without appropriate legal representation, contested divorce proceedings can seem endless and become more strenuous as time passes. 

Instead of going through a contested divorce on your own, contact the litigators at Ellerin Hutchinson today!

The state of Florida recognizes four types of child custody and they are:  legal custody, physical custody, joint custody and sole custody.  Anytime two parents are trying to sort through child custody matters, it is important that both parents are aware of the different types of custody that may be awarded. 

Sole custody occurs when one parent has complete legal and/or physical custody of a child.  Anytime a parent is awarded sole custody, he/she is 100% responsible for his/her child.  The child will usually live with the sole custodian and the custodian will be completely responsible for making decisions that pertain to the child's health, education and day-to-day well-being.

When joint custody is awarded, whether joint legal custody or joint physical custody, both parents will have equal responsibilities and the child may split his/her time between both parents' residences.

If you have questions about the different types of child custody arrangements in Florida, now is the time to speak with a Jacksonville family law attorney at Ellerin Hutchinson.  Contact our firm to set up an initial child custody case evaluation today!