Child Support
Attorney Derek Bernstein leverages his extensive knowledge of Florida’s child support guidelines to advocate for fair and just support arrangements.
This St. Petersburg family law firm is dedicated to helping parents navigate these challenging waters, offering clarity, compassion, and comprehensive legal solutions. Trust Bernstein Law to stand by your side, ensuring your children’s needs are met with diligence and care.
ST. PETERSBURG CHILD SUPPORT ATTORNEY
WHAT IS CHILD SUPPORT?
Who has to pay?
Back in the day we all knew people who were divorced and child support was always heavily done by men to women. With the Florida Statutes in place the statutes are blind to gender. Even though most people still believe Family Law favors the Mother, the guidelines take into account things such as over-nights and income of individual parents.
Over-Nights
One of the largest factors in child support has to do with the amount of over nights the child spends at each parents home. The rationale behind this is that if the parent is housing the child overnight, they are providing space for them, food, electric, water, etc.
Income of the parent
The other large factor taken into account is the income of the parent. The guideline is essentially a formula where you plug in overnights and income to determine each parent’s responsibility to the child. A high earning parent who has the child less than 20% of the time, should foresee that the person will have to pay child support.
Do the courts move away from the Guidelines?
In some instances the courts do move away from the guidelines. Upon a written finding explaining why ordering payment of such guideline amount would be unjust or inappropriate the Court may depart from the guideline. The Court takes into account things that the guideline does not such as after-school care, day care, private school, summer camps, and luxury activities, needs of the children, standard of living etc.
Can a Child Support obligation be changed later?
Yes. The Court requires however, a Substantial Change in circumstances to modify the child support amount. The courts bare need to be met before even considering a change is at least 15% or $50 difference in the guidelines amount. When setting a child support amount, for the substantial change requirement, you must work with your lawyer closely and bring up all factors coming up in the future to make the best argument for proper support for the child.
If you need more information or are ready to file Child Support
If you are considering child support and need to speak to an attorney for a free consultation please reach out to Attorney Derek Bernstein via email at dbernsteinlaw@gmail.com or by calling his cellphone at 407-405-4684 to schedule an appointment.
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Recent Testimonials
Knowledgeable, Passionate, & Informative
Derek is very knowledgeable and passionate with his work. He is very good at communicating with his clients and keeping everyone informed. If you want someone in your corner he is your man, he will be there every step of the way.
Awesome Advice!
Mr. Bernstein quickly answered questions even when not retained or could be retained in my specific area. It’s a comfort knowing there are good individuals out there that actually care about families and most of all children’s well being, all through sharing the knowledge gained through many extensive years of education, practice and on hand experience.
Amazing Lawyer
I have consulted Derek multiple times regarding legal advice and he is always on point regarding personal injury cases. Also, an honest individual looking our for his clients best interest
One of the Good Guys
Mr. Bernstein has advised me on the number of business matters, and has proven to be knowledgeable, professional and thorough.
Professional, Courteous & a Winner
Mr. Bernstein has been do PIP Suits for my office over the past few years. He is one of the best I’ve seen at getting these settled quickly. Thanks for your hard work.
ALWAYS the Best!
We utilize Mr. Bernstein for our PIP suit work against insurance companies and we are always treated professionally and their firm always finds us lost money.
Great Lawyer
Provided me with the information I needed and kept answering my questions, even though I thought I was becoming annoying.
Excellent Attorney!
Derek is a very dedicated and hardworking Attorney. Easy to get in touch with as he is technologically very savvy and makes himself available through many different avenues. It helps tremendously that he is also very understanding of clients needs. All around a great guy and a great Attorney.
Thank You
In the short time Mr. Bernstein has been representing my clinic, he has shown himself to be a proven winner. He is professional and courteous in all interactions with my staff and others. His knowledge and acumen has made our business relationship a successful one.
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