Myths when it Comes to Child Support in FL

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There are dozens of myths, misconceptions, and misinformation that regularly circulate about child support and that’s especially true in Florida. The following are the facts about Florida child support payments and answers the most commonly asked questions.

Age Limits

Many parents paying child support think their obligation ends when the child turns 18. Florida requires child support be paid until a child graduates or turns 19, whichever comes first.

Bankruptcy

Claiming bankruptcy doesn’t stop child support payments. Even if the parent paying the child support declares bankruptcy, they’re still required to maintain their regular child support payments.

Children Only

The parent receiving payments doesn’t have to inform the other parent about what they do with the funds. The money can be spent for anything that directly affects the child. That includes food, school activities, healthcare, entertainment, and other costs related to everyday living.

Criminality

A parent isn’t held criminally liable if they can’t make their child support payment due to the physical inability to do so. However, there are still serious consequences for failing to pay.

Direct Payments

All child support payments must be made through the Division of Child Support Enforcement or the money won’t be accredited to the account of the parent making the payment. Paying a spouse directly will register as a default.

Garnishment

The court can garnish checks and unemployment benefits, even if the parent hasn’t been late on their payments but have underpaid amounts in the past. The state can also take any federal or state income tax returns.

Income

Child support payments are not declared as income by the parent that receives them.

Joint Custody

There are two types of child support in FL – physical and legal. Support payments are based on the combined income of the parents and amount of time the child spends with each parent. The state has a formula to determine the amount and who pays it. The state alone governs this. Even with joint custody, one parent will pay child support.

Payment Changes

The amount of child support can be adjusted to meet the evolving needs of the child or in a parent’s financial circumstances. Those changes must be approved by the court.

Tax Deduction

The parent paying the child support can’t claim the payments as a tax deduction on their taxes.

Law Offices of Theodore H. Enfield, P.A.

Whether you need a Divorce, are dealing with Custody or Child Support issues, or need representation in a Personal Injury matter, the Law Offices of Theodore H. Enfield can confidently assist you.  To learn more about how we can help you or to discuss the facts of your case with our attorneys, call 954-983-1443 to schedule your free consultation.

3107 Stirling Road
Suite 105
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

Fax: 954-983-1536

Email: [email protected]

Slip and Fall Injuries may not Present Immediately

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Slip and fall accidents are the most commonly experienced. They can present unique challenges for obtaining treatment and rehabilitation services if needed as the full extent of the injuries and damage to the body may not be immediately obvious.

A slip and fall accident can occur anywhere. They can take place at the home of a friend or family, while shopping, within the workplace, on city streets, sidewalks, parks, and playgrounds. Individuals also experience this type of accident at popular entertainments encompassing amusement parks, sports venues, at the theater, and the movies.

These types of injuries may or may not result in a level of pain that causes individuals immediate concern, but they can have far reaching effects. They can cause fractures anywhere in the body, nerve damage, or injuries to the back and spine that can result in paralysis or even a traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Slip and fall accidents account for over 1 million visits to the emergency each year. They’re especially debilitating for the elderly and result in extended rehabilitation, joint replacements, and time in a nursing home. Even those that are young, fit, and healthy can sustain serious injuries from a slip and fall accident.

The results of these injuries may not be readily apparent, even with x-rays. Some types of fractures will only appear days or even weeks after the incident occurred. It can take more in-depth imaging techniques to detect them that aren’t typically performed. Victims of a slip and fall may also experience slow internal bleeding that can be deadly if not identified.

Any slip and fall accident should be followed by a trip to the emergency room where a thorough examination can be conducted. Individuals can be treated for immediate concerns and learn what symptoms of which they need to be aware. Some injuries, such as a TBI, may present in ways that the individual may not associate with the original injury, but can result in a lifetime of disability. The ER visit also provides critical documentation in the event there’s long-lasting problems or disability.

Law Offices of Theodore H. Enfield, P.A.

Whether you need a Divorce, are dealing with Custody or Child Support issues, or need representation in a Personal Injury matter, the Law Offices of Theodore H. Enfield can confidently assist you.  To learn more about how we can help you or to discuss the facts of your case with our attorneys, call 954-983-1443 to schedule your free consultation.

3107 Stirling Road
Suite 105
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

Fax: 954-983-1536

Email: [email protected]

Is my Injury Worth Contacting a Lawyer?

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Thousands of people are injured each year at work, on the road, and while shopping or visiting friends. You can’t absolutely rely on your insurance company – or the other person’s insurance carrier – to cover the cost of medical care and lost wages. That’s why you should always contact a lawyer if you’ve sustained an injury.

What you may not know is that some injuries may not be immediately obvious and complications can develop down the road. If you’ve been injured, it’s imperative that you seek the services of a physician. He/she will know the appropriate tests to conduct or can refer you to a specialist if needed. A doctor should clear you of all injuries and potential complications. If he/she can’t do that, hire an attorney.

There are some instances and circumstances in which the services of an attorney are absolutely necessary. One of those is if your insurance company or that of the other party is refusing to cover expenses or otherwise being uncooperative. Another is if someone died as a result of an accident.

If there’s any dispute over who was at fault, you’re definitely going to need to hire a lawyer. Other situations when a lawyer is essential include if multiple people were injured. Obtain a copy of the accident report to ensure it’s accurate. Any discrepancies are a sure sign that contacting an attorney is the right course of action.

Broken bones, internal injuries, long hospital stays, and loss of income should always be addressed by a lawyer, as should any medical-related treatment that will cost a minimum of $2,000. You’ll also need a lawyer for non-economic losses encompassing loss of companionship, emotional trauma, and pain and suffering. A lawyer can help you determine if an injury is such that you’ll need his/her unique expertise.

Law Offices of Theodore H. Enfield, P.A.

Whether you need a Divorce, are dealing with Custody or Child Support issues, or need representation in a Personal Injury matter, the Law Offices of Theodore H. Enfield can confidently assist you.  To learn more about how we can help you or to discuss the facts of your case with our attorneys, call 954-983-1443 to schedule your free consultation.

3107 Stirling Road
Suite 105
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312

Fax: 954-983-1536

Email: [email protected]

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