Divorcing or separating from your children’s other parent is never easy. If there are substantial disagreements over who should pay child support and how much, you could be facing a long and stressful legal battle when all you want is to start fresh and help your children cope with the changes in their lives.
The Gainesville child support attorneys at Bogin, Munns & Munns offer no gimmicks: just tangible results for you and your family. Call now so our Gainesville family law lawyers can get to work for you.
Why Let Our Gainesville Child Support Law Firm Guide You Through Your Case?
Under Florida law, family courts are obligated to act in the “best interests of the child” at all times. Part of this duty includes making sure that each parent has the financial means to provide for the child’s basic needs, such as clothing and healthcare, as well as any extras the parents may agree to, such as equipment for extracurricular activities.
In other words, you need to prove to the Alachua County Family Court (or another court that has jurisdiction over your case) that:
- The amount of money you have asked for is reasonable and accurately reflects your children’s needs, or
- You are a responsible parent who can abide by a fair agreement and make payments on time
This is vital to ensuring that your children get what they need—and that you are able to remain a part of your children’s lives. Such a critical task should not be left up to chance. Let the Gainesville child support lawyers at Bogin, Munns & Munns protect your family’s future by building up your case, speaking for you in the courtroom, and answering all of your legal questions.
To consult with an experienced child support lawyer serving Gainesville
(855) 780-9986
How the Child Support Process Works in Gainesville
While every case is unique, they are all expected to follow the same general rules and steps:
First, You Can Try to Reach an Agreement Regarding Child Suppor
If your children’s other parent is open to discussion and there are no other obstacles (e.g., they are not abusive or struggling with untreated mental illness), you can try to come to an agreement without the need for a protracted court hearing.
Your child support lawyer can represent you at all meetings with your former partner and their legal team.
Review All Child Support Paperwork
You want to make sure you understand what your and your former partner’s obligations are. We encourage you to sit down with your child support lawyer to go over the paperwork and ask whatever questions you have before you sign or agree to anything.
You Can Take Your Child Support Case to Court if Necessary
Unfortunately, not all parents can come to an agreement on their own or even with the help of a professional mediator. In these cases, you will have to present your case to a judge and let them decide what the child support order will say.
You and your former partner will both have the chance to present your respective sides of the story. Our Gainesville law firm can make your arguments as compelling as possible by:
- Using evidence like tax documents and employment history to prove to the judge what your financial situation is like
- Discrediting the other parent’s attempts to pay less than they should
- Speaking on your behalf throughout the case
If you are concerned about letting your children testify in court, do not worry: children are rarely, if ever, called upon to testify. You can fight for their rights without putting them through such an ordeal.
Call Bogin, Munns & Munns now for assistance. We are here for Florida and here for you.
We Also Help Family Law Clients Manage Complications and Challenges
Just because a child support order has been finalized does not necessarily mean your case is over. If issues arise months or even years down the line, our Gainesville attorneys are here to help with:
Child Support Modification
A serious illness (your own or your child’s), the inability to find a job, or other major life events could prevent you from making payments on time. When this happens, you should reach out to our Gainesville child support modification lawyers right away. We can tell the court what has happened and request an alteration to your current order.
Modifications can give “breathing room” to parents who have suffered a severe and unexpected financial setback. They do not happen automatically, however. You must act quickly to prevent the government from penalizing you for non-payment.
Child Support Enforcement
Some parents refuse to accept financial responsibility for their children. Others have good intentions but do not take the proper steps to request a modification before they start missing payments.
Either way, you still need child support, and you have the right to hire our Gainesville child support enforcement lawyers to find out what is happening and compel your former partner to restart payments.
Child Custody and Other Family Law Matters
If you want help drawing up the right parenting plan, securing alimony payments, establishing paternity, or even getting an injunction against an abusive partner, we can take care of everything. Our firm is proud to be able to manage all kinds of family law cases under one roof. No matter what you want help with, we are here for you.
At Bogin, Munns & Munns, we understand that even an amicable separation can be emotionally draining. You deserve to spend more time helping your children through this difficult time, while our Gainesville attorneys take on the day-to-day responsibilities of your case.
Gainesville Child Support Lawyer Near Me
(855) 780-9986
Get Help From Our Gainesville Child Support Attorneys Today
Bogin, Munns & Munns has been proud to represent families like yours since 1979. Call now so our Gainesville child support lawyers can assess your situation and figure out the best way to secure your children’s future. The sooner we begin, the sooner you can put this legal matter behind you and move on.
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