In part 1 of this post, we started a discussion of the complex child support issues that arise in Florida when an obligor-parent has other children not covered by the order. We explained that when a judge is considering child support such as in a Florida divorce...
Well, that is a rough take on an old nursery rhyme. What we mean to ask is how is child support determined if there are children outside the marriage? Broadly and with narrow exception, Florida law seems to favor older children when it comes to setting or modifying...
The relationship between a child and their stepparent can be as important and meaningful as that of a child and their biological parent. Blended family structures are common nowadays, and stepmothers and stepfathers often play crucial roles in stabilizing blended...
It has been such a tumultuous stretch of time in our country between the pandemic, social upheaval and economic challenges. If you are subject to a court order to pay child support such as after a divorce or as an unmarried parent and lost your employment or had to...
In general, traditional gifts to children do not count towards child support obligations. But it is not that simple, as people can construe what a “gift” is or its purpose in numerous ways. And because it is not that simple, Florida courts have had to examine in...
It is not unusual for parents of a married adult to give money to the son or daughter or to the couple to help with expenses or for a specific purpose like a down payment on a home or a vacation. Or a grandparent, other relative or friend might do the same. But when a...
Are you a Floridian haunted by potential outcomes in your divorce if arrangements in the decree are in accord with historical family roles based on gender? Some of those frightful stereotypes include: Mothers should have custody because they are better at nurturing...
Like so many other questions in Florida family law, the answer is that it depends on the circumstances. Usually, tangible gifts of items like toys or bikes cannot substitute for monetary child support payments, but food and clothing may. For older children, items...
Are you in the situation where your former spouse or the parent of your son or daughter failed to make child support payments they owed that were due before your child reached their 18th birthday? Even if the support obligation ended when your child became an adult,...
As one Florida court put it, “The tension between a child’s need for support and an incarcerated parent’s inability to provide such support is unavoidable.” That parent is unable to work much, if at all, yet because of the legal duty of a parent to support their...
The LAW OFFICES OF FORREST & Forrest, PLLC represents individuals in Fort Lauderdale in high-asset divorce matters. Daniel Forrest is board-certified family lawyer and mediator serving the South Florida area.
