Can Unpaid Child Support Delay a Court-Ordered Reunification Process in Florida?

Kaylin M.M. Bosque, Esq.

Sep 20

1 min read

QUESTION: A mother is involved in an ongoing Florida timesharing and custody case. The father is approximately $2,000 behind on court-ordered child support. The case has reached the stage where reunification services may begin within the next month.

Can the unpaid child-support arrears delay, postpone, or otherwise affect the court-ordered reunification process?

ANSWER:

In general, a $2,000 child-support arrears balance does not by itself delay or prevent court-ordered reunification. Florida courts decide parenting-time and reunification issues based on the child’s best interests and, in a dependency matter, whether reunification would be safe and would not endanger the child’s well-being or physical, mental, and emotional health- not simply on whether a parent is current on support.

The arrears remain enforceable, however, and mother can address collection through the existing family case, the clerk/court, or the Florida Department of Revenue as appropriate. The specific court order, the nature of the reunification process, and any safety or case-plan concerns could affect timing, so she should review the order and speak with her attorney or the appropriate caseworker promptly if she believes there is a separate reason reunification should be delayed.

Have a Legal Question?

Submit a general legal question for possible inclusion in Bosque Law Firm’s educational Q&A library.

Please do not include names, case numbers, addresses, account numbers, documents, or other confidential or identifying information.

First name

Last name

Question Title

Legal Issue Summary

I understand that Bosque Law Firm may edit, combine, shorten, or decline to publish my submission. If published, my question will be anonymized and may appear on the firm’s website, social-media channels, or other educational materials.

Important: This Q&A form is for general educational questions only. Submission of this form does not create an attorney-client relationship with Bosque Law Firm or any of its attorneys. Do not submit confidential information or documents. Any response published by the firm is general information, may not apply to your circumstances, and is not legal advice. If you need advice about your specific circumstances, you may contact Bosque Law Firm to request a consultation or consult another qualified attorney.

I understand that submitting this form is not an engagement request, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and does not constitute legal advice. I will not submit confidential, privileged, or time-sensitive information through this form. If I wish to request a consultation, I will use the firm’s contact form or contact the office directly.