New Bill Proposes That Child Support Begin At Conception

Child support in Florida helps ensure children are provided for in cases of divorce or when parents are unmarried. As getting parents to pay often proves challenging, getting a court order is often the best option. A new bill proposes beginning child support payments at conception. While this would definitely help mothers, our Pinellas County child support attorney explains some of the obstacles involved..

Florida Senator Sponsors Bill Proposing Child Support Begin At Conception

Abortion has always been a hot topic among politicians and an issue that deeply divides the country. While some support the recent overturning of Roe v. Wade, which asserted that a woman’s right to an abortion was protected under the U.S. Constitution, others are outraged, claiming it sets the women’s movement back decades.

Regardless of which side you fall on, there is one thing that most people agree on-mothers should not be forced to assume the full costs of an unplanned pregnancy on their own. According to a July 2022 WFLA News report, U.S. Senator Mark Rubio (R-Fla.) is a co-sponsor on a bill that would require child support payments beginning at conception.

While it is only fair that both married and unmarried fathers assume some of the financial burden for prenatal care and labor and delivery costs, getting them to pay is likely to prove challenging. As it currently stands, the U.S. Census Bureau reports that less than half of all custodial parents receive the full amount of child support they are owed.

Getting The Child Support You Are Entitled To

Child support payments for expectant mothers is still likely a long way off and there are numerous details that will need to be addressed when and if the proposed law passes. If you are currently a parent and your former partner is not paying any support for your child, it is important to be aware of the options available.

Under the Florida Statutes, parents have a legal and moral duty to provide financially for their children. The best way to protect your rights and your child’s financial security in this situation is to put a formal child support order in place. The amount is generally based on each party’s income and the child’s specific needs. Once you obtain a child support order in Pinellas County, the following enforcement actions help ensure the total amount is paid:

• Wage garnishment;
• Seizure of funds on bank accounts;
• Seizure of certain benefits, lottery winnings, and other assets;
• Placement of liens on homes, cars, or other property they owe;
• Suspension of their driving privileges or professional licenses.

Get Our Pinellas County Child Support Attorney On Your Side

At The Reep Law Firm, we act as a strong legal advocate on the side of parents, helping them get the total amount of child support they are owed. Call or contact us online to request a consultation with our Seminole family attorney today.

Sources:

law.cornell.edu/supremecourt/text/410/113

wfla.com/news/politics/rubio-proposes-law-for-child-support-to-start-at-month-of-conception/

census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2018/cb18-tps03.html

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.13.html