Legal Question in Family Law in Florida
Chid support
If a Florida divorce decree states ''Child support : $450.00'', can this be interpreted as being a one-time payment?
3 Answers from Attorneys
Re: Chid support
It COULD be interpreted that way, but, unless otherwise stated, the default is usually monthly, so I feel pretty confident in telling you a judge will interpret your agrement as meaning "$450 per month."
Re: Chid support
The way I see it, it could only mean a one-time payment if the child turns 18 next month. The age of the child is missing.
Re: Child support
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First, I am sure that it is not stated with only the words you have quoted. If you want an opinion, you should have included the entire paragraph in the order/decree. Second, Florida Statutes sets forth a guidelines that the courts have to follow and there is not such thing as a one time payment so it is an impossibility to interpret the decree to mean a one time payment. Most probably it was monthly but it might have been bi-monthly.
Scott R. Jay, Esq.