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.
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Our Core Values
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The Client Comes First and All Else Will FollowWe 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.
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Authenticity and TransparencyWe 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.
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Relentless Pursuit of the WinWe achieve stellar results by focusing on personal and professional performance and goals. Our relentless pursuit ensures we deliver exceptional outcomes for our clients.
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Growth MindsetWe 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.
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OwnershipWe 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.
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Results DrivenWe 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.
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Respect and Celebration for One AnotherWe 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.
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Unquestionable IntegrityWe 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.
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We are in it TogetherWe 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.
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ReputationReputation 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.
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Associate Attorney, In Person, Panama City Beach Office
Job Title: Family Law Associate Attorney Position
The Virga Law Firm - Panama City Beach, FL
Are You Ready for More Than Just a Career?
We're not looking for just any lawyer – we're searching for an attorney committed to compassionate and excellent representation. If you're ready to make the practice of law both meaningful and rewarding, this opportunity could be what you've been waiting for. Join a firm where you're appreciated and part of a team dedicated to excellence.
Who We Are
The Virga Law Firm is a dynamic, high-growth family law firm dedicated to providing excellent legal representation and superb client care. Founded by Gerard Virga, who brings over twenty years of legal experience to the practice, our firm has established itself as a leader in family law throughout Florida. Our attorneys hold prestigious positions on various committees for the Family Law Section of the Florida Bar, demonstrating our commitment to shaping and advancing family law practice in our state.
Our core belief is "Caring is Contagious." We understand that nothing is more important than family – it's the bedrock of our civilization and closest to people's hearts. When clients entrust us with their family law issues, we recognize it as the highest honor and responsibility.
Each family is unique and requires specialized attention during the most emotionally trying times in their lives. Our mission is to protect our clients and their families, providing them with a strong new start to their lives. We achieve this by helping one family at a time through our multiple office locations throughout Florida.
Who You Are
The ideal candidate:
- Is obsessed with achieving results for clients
- Has a passion for family law
- Excels at identifying crucial case details
- Loves litigation and is comfortable in the courtroom
- Takes pride in developing litigation strategies
- Has strong negotiation skills with a compassionate approach
- Thrives in fast-paced environments
- Is committed to helping others and leading by example
Minimum Qualifications
- An active member in good standing with the Florida Bar
- Demonstrated experience in family law
- Proven history of passionate representation and client service
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Clio knowledge is a plus)
- Advanced knowledge in litigation and client relations
- Mastery of Zoom video conferencing for court presentations
- Ability to work independently and produce superior work product
Key Responsibilities
- Provide comprehensive legal advice and analysis to clients
- Manage complex high-asset divorce cases
- Handle parental responsibility and timesharing cases
- Navigate cases involving domestic violence, substance abuse, and mental health issues
- Represent clients in court proceedings and mediations
- Draft legal pleadings, motions, and orders
- Lead team members including Paralegals and professional staff
- Maintain a fast-paced workload with attention to detail
Benefits and Perks
- Competitive compensation package based on experience
- Dental and vision insurance options with family coverage
- Progressive Paid Time Off:
- One week per six months
- Up to 80 additional hours accruing each pay period
- Paid holidays and one flex holiday
- Parental and bereavement leave
- Paid continuing legal education, bar dues, and certification dues
- Professional development opportunities
- Supportive team environment
Why Choose The Virga Law Firm
- Unified company culture dedicated to success
- Highly trained support staff including Paralegals and Discovery Specialists
- Diverse caseload and full pipeline from day one
- An environment that encourages innovation and creative problem-solving
- Commitment to personal and professional growth
- No-drama, no-judgment work environment
- Strong focus on team collaboration
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit:
- Current resume
- Writing sample
- Two letters of recommendation
- Cover letter
How to Apply
- Call our career hotline at 850-565-3426
- Submit required documents
Additional Information
- Website: www.thevirgalawfirm/careers
- Email: careers@thevirgalawfirm.com
- Work Location: In-person at Panama City Beach office
- Schedule: Monday to Friday, 8-hour shifts
The Virga Law Firm is an equal opportunity employer committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace—A background check is required for final candidates.
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