In Florida, courts are required to calculate child support in a manner that is fair and consistent with statutory guidelines. This includes accurately determining a parent’s income during any applicable retroactive period and ensuring that the final judgment reflects that calculation. A recent Florida case highlights what can go wrong when these requirements are not followed and why it is essential for parties to carefully scrutinize support orders to protect their financial interests. If you have questions about your rights with regard to child support, it is advisable to talk to a Miami child support attorney as soon as possible.
Factual Background and Procedural History
It is reported that the Department of Revenue Child Support Enforcement Program issued a final administrative support order against the father, which included an award of retroactive child support. The administrative law judge was presented with income records showing the father’s actual earnings during the relevant retroactive period.
Allegedly, despite this, the judge based the retroactive support calculation on the father’s current income rather than using the available historical data. The father then challenged the order, seeking a new hearing and corrected order. Specifically, the father argued that the administrative law judge miscalculated the amount owed and failed to attach a required child support guidelines worksheet to the final order. He further stated that the omission of the child support worksheet made it difficult to determine how the court arrived at the support amount. Continue reading ›