Child Support

Child Support Awards, Enforcements, and Modification Attorney

Following a divorce or judgment of paternity, most parents are simply unable to provide for their child on their own, no matter how hard they try. However, children need financial assistance in order to live healthy and happy lives. Child support is a legal mechanism designed to provide custodial parents with the supplemental income they need to raise their child.

Under Florida law, courts must award child support according to the State's child support guidelines. At Mindi Lasley, P.A. in Tampa, Florida, we represent parents in their efforts to secure child support and in any subsequent child support disputes. Much of the work we perform for clients is determining the proper amount of child support using the formula established by the State in its guidelines. Contact us to learn more about child support.

Most of the issues involved in child support cases are relatively straightforward. However, child support cases can involve issues that are more complex. Accordingly, our firm will represent you in disputes regarding:

• Child Support Enforcement: We represent parents in child support actions brought by the Department of Revenue, Child Support Enforcement Division. We defend parents against the Department of Revenue to ensure that they are not being required to pay too much support to the custodial parent. We also work towards reducing child support arrearages and file motions to fix the mistakes often found in the child support registry, which can suspend one's drivers' license if not rectified.
  
• Modification of Child Support: We will petition the court to modify a child support award upon showing a substantial change in circumstances. We will also defend against child support modification actions.
  
• Child Support Contempt: We will petition the court to find the non-paying party in contempt, before both child support hearing officers and family law judges. We also defend parties in contempt proceedings.
  
• Disestablishment of Paternity: These cases involve attempts by a father to disprove his paternity. If paternity is successfully disproved, the former father may be exempt from making any future child support payments and his name may be removed off of the child's birth certificate. These proceedings have only been allowed since a new statute in 2006 established this cause of action, along with lengthy procedures a party must follow to be successful in this action.

To speak with an experienced lawyer about child support, contact Mindi Lasley, P.A. Our firm represents clients throughout Florida, including those in Clearwater, Brandon, Palm Harbor, Largo, Plant City, and St. Petersburg. Please call 813-873-9047.