Child Support

Alison B. Copley and Brett P. Hargaden care deeply about helping parents and their children. One way we do this is by pursuing fair child support orders. Florida has adopted guidelines that govern child support and consider:
  • The income of both parents
  • The child's health care and childcare costs
However, even with these guidelines, determining how much child support parents must pay can be extremely challenging, particularly when a parent's income is difficult to ascertain.  Additionally, in special circumstances, support amounts can be higher or lower than the guideline amounts.  We understand the complexities surrounding child support cases and can help assist you in getting the support your child needs or ensuring that you are paying only your fair share of child support.  

If you have received documentation from the Florida Department of Revenue seeking to establish an Administrative Support Order, please do not hesitate to contact us as soon as possible.  There are important deadlines associated with these administrative actions that, if ignored, can be extremely consequential.   

Child Support Modification

Sometimes it becomes necessary to seek the modification of a child support order that has already been entered. The court initially entering an order requiring one or both parents to make child support payments has continuing jurisdiction after the entry of the initial order to modify the amount and terms of the child support payments. Modifications of child support usually arise when there has been a substantial change in circumstances. What constitutes a substantial change in circumstances sufficient to obtain a modification of child support is often unclear and highly dependent on the specific facts of your particular case. Consulting an experienced family law attorney may help you understand the requirements for seeking a modification and the likelihood of proving a substantial change in circumstances.
Child Support Agreement — Sebring, FL — Copley Law Firm

Enforcement of Child Support Orders

Both married and unmarried parents have a responsibility to support their children. It can be a financial burden when a parent does not meet their child support obligations. We can help you navigate all matters related to enforcing a child support order.

Child Support Cases

Alison B. Copley and Brett P. Hargaden are highly experienced in representing clients in divorce and other family law matters involving the determination or modification of child support. We know these cases are extremely important to our clients and their children, so we work tirelessly to help our clients make informed decisions. If you are considering filing a divorce, modification of a parenting plan, paternity case, or other family law action involving child support, we invite you to contact us to schedule a consultation. For over three decades we have represented clients in Highlands, Polk, and Hardee Counties (as well as other surrounding counties) in divorce and other family law matters involving child support.