Tampa Child Support Attorney
Child Support Lawyer Serving Tampa, Hillsborough County, FL
When it comes to supporting your children, the numbers have to be right — and the order has to hold up. A Tampa child support attorney who understands how Florida calculates support, and how to enforce it, protects both your children and your financial future. At Mindy Lasley, P.A., child support attorney Mindy Lasley represents parents on both sides of these cases throughout Tampa and Hillsborough County.
Florida law is specific about how child support is calculated, when it can be modified, and what happens when it is not paid. Getting these details right at the start avoids years of costly disputes down the road.
Mindy has seen firsthand what happens when child support orders are poorly drafted or when the income calculation is off. One client came in after discovering their support order had never properly accounted for the other parent’s full income — including freelance work they were not disclosing. Mindy went back to the court, documented everything, and got the order corrected. The client received the support their children were actually owed.
How Florida Calculates Child Support
Florida uses an income shares model to calculate child support. The formula takes into account:
- Both parents’ monthly net income
- The number of minor children
- Child care costs
- Health insurance costs
- The number of overnight stays each parent has with the child
Florida’s definition of “income” is broader than most people expect. It includes wages, self-employment income, rental income, bonuses, commissions, and in some cases even non-taxable income. If a parent is voluntarily underemployed, the court may impute income based on what they could reasonably be earning.
Child support cannot be waived by the custodial parent. It belongs to the child, not the parent.
Establishing Child Support in Tampa
Child support can be established in a divorce, paternity action, or any other family law case involving minor children. Children born outside of marriage are entitled to the same support as any other child — a paternity action establishes both legal rights and support obligations.
Both parents in Florida are legally required to financially support their minor children until the child:
- Turns 18 (or 19 if still in high school and expected to graduate)
- Gets married
- Joins the Armed Forces
- Becomes emancipated
Deviating From the Guidelines
Florida judges have limited discretion to deviate from the child support guidelines — generally no more than 5% without a strong documented reason. Deviations can be requested for situations involving extraordinary medical expenses, unusual timesharing arrangements, or other circumstances the guidelines do not fully address.
If you believe the standard calculation does not reflect your family’s situation, Mindy can evaluate whether a departure is warranted and how to argue for it effectively.
Child Support Modification in Tampa
Child support can be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances. Under Florida law, a modification may be warranted when the recalculated amount differs from the current order by at least 15% or $50 — whichever is greater.
Common reasons for modification include:
- A significant change in either parent’s income
- A change in the child’s time-sharing schedule
- A change in the child’s healthcare or childcare costs
- A parent becoming unemployed or disabled
Important: Child support does not automatically change when circumstances change. You must petition the court. Reducing payments on your own — without a court order — can result in a contempt finding and arrears that carry interest.
See: Modification Lawyer Tampa for more information on modifying an existing order.
Child Support Enforcement in Tampa
When a parent refuses to pay court-ordered child support, there are real legal consequences. Mindy Lasley, P.A. represents custodial parents in enforcement proceedings and knows how to hold non-paying parents accountable.
Penalties for non-payment of child support in Florida can include:
- Wage garnishment
- Tax refund interception
- Suspension of driver’s license
- Contempt of court — which can result in jail time
If support becomes delinquent, arrears accumulate with interest. The longer it goes unpaid, the harder it becomes to resolve.
Mindy also represents non-custodial parents facing enforcement actions. If you are being pursued for child support you believe is incorrect, or if you need credit for payments already made, she can help you build that case.
What Child Support Does Not Cover
Florida child support covers basic necessities — housing, food, clothing, healthcare, and childcare. It does not include college tuition or expenses. There is no Florida law requiring parents to contribute to a child’s college education unless both parties agreed to this in a settlement agreement.
Related Practice Areas
- Child Custody Lawyer Tampa
- Tampa Parenting Plan Lawyer
- Paternity Lawyer Tampa
- Modification Lawyer Tampa
- Tampa Divorce Attorney
Frequently Asked Questions
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| How is child support calculated in Florida? | Using the Florida Income Shares Model — both parents’ net incomes, number of children, childcare and health insurance costs, and overnight time-sharing are all factored in. |
| Can child support be waived? | No. Child support belongs to the child and cannot be waived by either parent. |
| When does child support end in Florida? | At age 18, or 19 if the child is still in high school. It does not end automatically — a petition to terminate may be required. |
| Can I modify child support if I lose my job? | Yes. A significant drop in income is grounds for a modification. You must file a petition — do not reduce payments on your own. |
| What happens if my ex does not pay child support? | You can file a motion for contempt. Consequences include wage garnishment, license suspension, and potential jail time. |
| Does Florida require parents to pay for college? | No, unless both parents agreed to it in writing as part of a settlement agreement. |
Get the Right Child Support Order From the Start
Whether you are establishing support, seeking a modification, or dealing with a parent who is not paying, Mindy Lasley, P.A. is ready to help. Call (813) 873-9047 or visit our contact page to schedule a consultation. Your children deserve the full support they are owed — and a Tampa child support attorney who will fight to make sure they get it.
About Mindy Lasley, P.A.
Mindy Lasley, P.A. is a Tampa family law firm dedicated exclusively to Florida family law. Attorney Mindy Lasley has handled hundreds of child support, custody, and divorce cases throughout Tampa and Hillsborough County. The firm is located at 1005 N Marion St, Tampa, FL 33602.