What Does Child Support In Pinellas County Cover?

If you are going through a separation or getting a divorce, minimizing the impacts on your children is likely to be one of your top priorities. Getting a child support order in Pinellas County helps to ensure they continue to be provided for properly and have what they need to thrive. Our Seminole child support attorney provides the trusted legal guidance you need throughout the process. The following explains how a judge determines the amount and some of the common types of expenses that are typically covered.

Your Rights To Child Support Under Florida Law

Raising a child in a single-parent home is never easy. Even if the other parent is actively involved in their lives, providing for your child’s basic needs and unexpected expenses that arise can present serious challenges. Obtaining a child support order in Seminole often plays a major role in covering these costs.

Under the Florida Statutes, parents have a legal obligation to provide for their children. Having a formal child support order put in place through the local court helps in getting the total amount you are entitled to and making sure payments are made promptly. There are guidelines for determining the amount listed under state laws, but other factors the court is likely to consider include:

• Any earnings, benefits, and other assets each parent has;
• The amount of time the child spends in your home, as per parenting plans or a child time-sharing order;
• The amount needed to provide the same type of lifestyle the child would have if the parents were together;
• Any special needs the child has.

Common Types of Expenses Covered By Child Support In Seminole

Having a child support order issued through the Pinellas County Court helps to protect you and your child’s financial security, now and in years to come. Common types of expenses covered by child support in Seminole include:

• Basic living expenses: This includes housing, food, clothing, and personal items.
• Medical expenses: This includes the cost of health insurance, routine doctor visits, school physicals, therapeutic care, immunizations, eye exams, hearing tests, and dental care.
• Educational expenses: This includes books, electronics, other school supplies, lab fees, school uniforms, tutors, and private school tuition.

Depending on the situation, a child support order in Seminole may also cover the costs of sports and other extracurricular activities, as well as the costs for teens to visit local colleges and any preparatory exams and application fees.

Request A Consultation With Our Pinellas County Child Support Attorney

When getting a child support order in Pinellas County, it is generally a good idea to negotiate the amount with the other parent, rather than having a judge decide. At Reep Law Firm, we protect your rights throughout this process. Our Seminole child support attorney can help ensure you get the total amount your child is entitled to and that payments are made properly. To request a confidential consultation, reach out and call or contact our office online today.

Sources:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0000-0099/0061/Sections/0061.30.html

mypinellasclerk.org/Home/Family