Child custody and child support seem to have a connection. In some ways, they do, but in an important way, they do not. As a parent, it is important for you to understand how they relate and how they are different. You could find yourself in a bad situation if you do not understand how these concepts are separate under the law.
We hear of many situations where the mother or father wants 50/50 custody to avoid child support in Florida, and that’s not exactly how custody and child support work.
Why Do I Pay Child Support With 50/50 Custody in Florida?
The only connection between child support and child custody in Florida is that the court will use parenting time to factor in who pays support and how much they will pay. Other than that, these topics are completely separate. The parent’s income plays a major role in Florida child support payments. We cover how much child support is paid for a parent making $1,000 a week and explain how child support is determined with multiple children.
Do You Have to Pay Child Support if You Have Joint Custody in Florida?
Paying or refusing to pay child support are not reasons a Florida judge will change custody in most cases. If a parent fails to pay support, the other parent cannot refuse to allow him or her to see the children. This is not how to get full custody of a child as a mother or father whatsoever. The court will not side with you if you keep your children from the other parent due to a lack of payment. Family law upholds both mother’s and father’s rights in Florida.
Under the law, both parents have a right to see their children. The court order for custody is separate from that for child support. You could face charges for contempt of court for parenting plans in Florida for disobeying a court order for custody arrangements under Florida custody laws.
50/50 Child Support in Florida
The bottom line when it comes to child support is the court sees it as a fiscal responsibility. If a parent is not paying, the court will handle it through legal means. Child custody is different. It is for the children because it is in their best interests to have relationships with both parents. The court recognizes the importance and, therefore will push custody regardless of child support status.
For more help, contact our Tampa child custody lawyer or Tampa child support lawyer to schedule a consultation.
