Child Support

Determining How Much Child Support is Owed

Your children deserve to have the same financial resources they had before your divorce. Decisions prior to and during a divorce should minimize the effects on their lifestyle. One way to ensure they are provided for is to assure that an appropriate child support award is made.

For over 34 years, attorney Kenneth D. Morse has advised people about the appropriateness of child support awards. As an experienced business law attorney, he understands the complicated process of determining a spouse's earnings and other income. Our firm represents families in the Orlando, Florida, metro area and throughout Central Florida.

Determining Income and Child Support Guidelines

Under Florida's child support statutory guidelines, support is determined by examining both parents' income. When a parent is a business owner or possesses an investment property, determining income can become complicated. At the Law Firm of Kenneth D. Morse, our lawyers will examine all aspects of compensation to determine actual income, including: travel, meal, and auto allowances; bonuses; retirement contributions; commissions; and payment of personal expenses. When necessary, we will employ a forensic accountant to accurately determine your spouse's income.

There are many ways a spouse can hide income to minimize the exposure to child support or alimony awards. To determine an appropriate alimony or child support award, your attorney must consider the following:

• Determining the income of a self-employed parent
• Imputing the true earning capacity of your spouse through the use of vocational assessments
• Whether a spouse has diverted or purposefully concealed income in order to avoid paying support
• Determining child support from business owners and investors, whose income is not easily determined
• Determining the income for stay at home mothers and under-employed spouses

You need an attorney who will take the time to understand your needs and goals. Since 1974, attorney Kenneth Morse has counseled clients concerned about children with disabilities, medical issues, and child support and alimony modifications.

Contact the Law Firm of Kenneth D. Morse today to learn more about child support awards. Ask our attorney how you can protect your interests during a divorce. Our firm represents families throughout Central Florida including Daytona Beach, Tavares, Clearwater, and Melbourne.