Skip to Content
(800) 822-5170
The Virga Law Firm, P.A. The Virga Law Firm, P.A.
Top
Child Support Helping People Move Forward with Their Life

Panama City Child Support Attorney

Top-Rated Advocacy In Bay County

If you are looking for a child support lawyer in Panama City, look no further than The Virga Law Firm, P.A.

Here you can find the trusted counsel you deserve, the awarded advocacy that gets results. At The Virga Law Firm, many of us are - first and foremost - parents. This enables us to provide dedicated and determined advocacy for custodial and noncustodial parents in child support cases. With our legal team, you gain the resources and experience you need to achieve a fast and fair resolution, whether you need to ask for, enforce, or modify child support orders.

Why can you rely on our Panama City child support firm?

  • Selected for The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • More than 100 years of combined proven legal experience
  • Proven results after representing hundreds of families
  • 24/7 availability for every client

In every case, we use a team approach. This means that we develop a relationship with our clients, understanding their situation, and working with them to reach a positive result. This also means that, if necessary, we work with experts to ensure that you have a robust legal case. Whatever your case calls for, our firm has the experience and assets you need on your side.

Schedule an initial case review with a Panama City child support lawyer! Reach us today (800) 822-5170.

Calculating Child Support In Panama City

Each parent has the duty to financially support their child. In cases of sole physical custody, the noncustodial parent must make support payments to help provide for the child's basic needs. The goal of Florida's child support guidelines is to outline the minimum support a noncustodial parent must pay to cover the proper costs of raising a child.

The court-ordered amount would depend on:

  • The number of nights the child lives with each parent
  • The healthcare needs
  • The number of children
  • The monthly net income of both parents
  • The monthly child care costs

For example, with a combined net income of $1,000 a month and one child, child support would be $235, while for two children support would be $365, and so on. While you and the other parent may have agreed upon child support payments, the only way your child's rights can be secure is with an approved court order. Otherwise, you will have less recourse if the other parent stops paying. It is also important to know that child support is a right of the child. For these reasons and more, it is beneficial for you to make your child support agreements official and legally binding, in order to protect your rights and the rights of your child.

Our legal team can help you whether you are going to file for child support or have received a child support petition. No case is too complex and no two cases are the same. If you first need to establish paternity, or if you are filing for divorce, you can find the efficient, trustworthy representation you deserve at The Virga Law Firm, P.A. Discover what your legal options are today: Call our Panama City child support firm!

Enforcing Child Support Payments

Unfortunately, there are too many cases where a parent fails to make court-ordered child support payments. There are, however, a number of ways a court can step in to make sure your child receives the support they deserve.

To ensure you receive child support payments, a court can:

  • Intercept certain federal and state tax refunds
  • Take support directly from the parent's bank account
  • Garnish a portion of the parent's wages
  • Freeze the nonpaying parent's bank account
  • Sentence the delinquent parent to incarceration

Typically, this requires that the custodial parent submit a motion for civil contempt. There will be a hearing to determine whether or not the other parent truly is in contempt of court. If so, a court can impose criminal penalties, or set up collection actions to enforce child support payment. To assert your child's right to support, you will need to present a compelling case to the court. You deserve to have an experienced legal advocate on your side.

Modifying Child Support Payments In Florida

While an initial child support order may have met a child's needs and accurately reflected a parent's ability to pay at the time the order was entered, sudden changes can - and often do - occur. This could make current support orders outdated, in which case you may need to file for increased or reduced child support.

For example, a custodial parent could ask the court for an increase in child support if:

  • A child's needs (especially medical or educational) have increased significantly
  • The paying parent's income has grown significantly
  • The custodial parent lost a job involuntarily
  • One of the parents is not actually exercising their time-sharing with the child

On the other hand, a noncustodial parent could request a decrease in child support if he or she loses a job or suffers a pay cut through no fault of their own or a loss of income that means they cannot make the current payments. Whatever modification you are seeking, you will need the trusted counsel of a dedicated Panama City child support lawyer to ensure your rights are protected as you navigate the court system.

Request Your Child Support Consultation. Call (800) 822-5170!

As experienced lawyers with a staff of devoted parents, we understand that in order to powerfully represent our clients in child support hearings, we first need to get to know our clients and their unique circumstances. Then, backed by over 100 years of combined legal experience, we have the legal knowhow to skillfully represent you in court.

With a team of attorneys that includes former prosecutors and a Department of Revenue Child Support Enforcement Attorney, we bring extensive litigation experience to your side, along with the irreplaceable insights of seasoned trial attorneys, working together to greatly benefit your case. Whether you need to create a child support order, update an existing court order, or enforce your child's right to child support, our legal team is prepared to deliver the proven advocacy you deserve. Don't wait to find out what we could achieve for you.

Find the personalized advocacy you deserve for your child support case! Contact The Virga Law Firm, P.A. at (800) 822-5170 to set up your initial consultation today.

Recommended Reading:

Our Core Values

  • The Client Comes First and All Else Will Follow
    We take pride in delivering best-in-class client service and experience, understanding the privilege and responsibility we have when assisting clients and their families through legal matters. It is our highest obligation.
  • Authenticity and Transparency
    We believe in being transparent about who we are, with ourselves, each other, and our clients and partners. This authenticity builds trust and fosters strong relationships.
  • Relentless Pursuit of the Win
    We achieve stellar results by focusing on personal and professional performance and goals. Our relentless pursuit ensures we deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients.
  • Growth Mindset
    We continuously learn, grow, and improve as individuals, as a law firm, and as advocates for our clients. We set and exceed both personal and professional goals to ensure ongoing development.
  • Ownership
    We take responsibility for our work and actions, ensuring accountability in all that we do. Our commitment to ownership drives excellence and fosters a culture of trust and reliability.
  • Results Driven
    We focus on outcomes and disregard the level of effort required. We have the vision and the discipline to do the work and face challenges to make our vision a reality for our clients.
  • Respect and Celebration for One Another
    We support each other with kindness and respect, emphasizing a positive work culture and celebrating along the way. We respect our clients and support them through their challenges.
  • Unquestionable Integrity
    We stand up for what’s right with consistently sound ethics and courageous honesty. Our integrity is the foundation of our practice and guides our actions and decisions.
  • We are in it Together
    We are client and team-focused, committed to the firm’s vision, and act for the greater good. We carry our weight, bring others along, and act with civility, candor, and respect in all interactions.
  • Reputation
    Reputation is everything. We strive to have the best personal and professional reputations. We want our reputation to precede us and for opposing counsel to know we are committed to fighting for our clients.
  • Community Stewardship
    We embody the concept of giving back to the community. The Virga Law Firm is committed to supporting and improving the community through responsible and caring actions, setting an example of character.

Meet Your Attorneys

Compassionate Counsel, Relentless Representation.

    Take the Next Step

    Request a Consultation with The Virga law Firm Today!
    • Please enter your first name.
    • Please enter your last name.
    • Please enter your phone number.
      This isn't a valid phone number.
    • Please enter your email address.
      This isn't a valid email address.
    • Please make a selection.
    • Please enter a message.
    • By submitting, you agree to be contacted about your request & other information using automated technology. Message frequency varies. Msg & data rates may apply. Text STOP to cancel. Acceptable Use Policy
    • "He listened carefully."
      He answered in a way that helped me understand the law better.
      - A Divorce Client
    • "Gerard has been monumental to my case."
      Gerard has been monumental to my case. I recognized I needed an attorney who was committed to a positive outcome for my children and I. Gerard made himself available to answer all of my questions and concerns. I felt very comfortable working with the Virga Law Firm.
      - A Divorce Client
    • "Eager to help and fight for clients."
      I will definitely be recommending to anyone I know that needs a child custody or divorce attorney!
      - A Divorce Client
    • "Fast and supportive service."
      The Virga Law Firm, P.A. was a blessing during my divorce. Always available for questions, they made the process fast and fair. No need to fight—they handled it all. I'd recommend them in a heartbeat.
      - Visi, A Divorce Client