Florida Parents Owe Millions in Child Support
Dec 29, 2012
Zephyrhills, FL (Law Firm Newswire) December 28, 2012 – The U.S. Census Bureau says nearly 60 percent of parents do not receive all of the child support to which they are entitled.
“Unfortunately, a growing majority of parents do not get all the child support they are owed,” said Zephyrhills divorce lawyer Marcie Baker. “In this stagnant economy, that trend is likely to continue.”
Court orders of child support can be enforced with the help of a family law attorney. State law also requires the Florida Department of Revenue (DOR) to assist in the collection of child support.
Some who owe child support avoid paying by disguising their income and assets. This can mean working under the table or transferring assets, such as cars or even bank accounts, to others.
The Florida Department of Revenue says that over half a million Florida parents are due child support. The DOR reviewed over 8,000 cases last year to determine whether to refer them to the state attorney’s office for consideration for criminal charges. Of those cases, the DOR is gathering further documentation from the parent owed the money in only three cases.The DOR says that women owe men child support in only 5.8 percent of cases.
In an interview with WPEC-TV, Legal Aid Society attorney Ross Baer said that criminal charges in child support cases are rare because the offense must be egregious, like kidnapping a child. He added that putting deadbeats in jail eliminates their earning potential and therefore is not in anyone’s best interest.
Over $100 billion in child support is owed to parents who have custody of children nationwide according to the federal Office of Child Support Enforcement.
“Parents should fight for the money owed to them for the sake of their children’s well-being,” added Ms. Baker. “Anyone not receiving their proper child support should consult with an experienced family law attorney.”
Marcie Baker is a partner in the firm of Alston & Baker, P. A. To contact a Zephyrhills Social Security lawyer, Zephyrhills accident attorney, or Zephyrhills divorce lawyer, visit http://www.alstonbakerlaw.com.
Alston & Baker, P.A.
5518 Seventh Street
Zephyrhills, Florida 33542
Call: 813-779-8895
Toll-free: 1-888-500-5245
