1998 divorce - multiple children

[Soponno]

Hello and thanks for looking at my question.
I have two sons that I pay child support for since the divorce in 1998. The divorce gives custody to their mom we have joint parental custody and the boys come and stay with me on weekends holidays or whenever they want (or do not come on weekends and holidays if they don't want to). I think the wording was liberal visitations or something like that. Anyway the older son will turn 18 in June and the younger son will not be 18 until October 2012. My child support is automatically taken from my check (always been like that). Will the state automatically recalculate my child support or do I need to request a new hearing? If so when do I petition for a new hearing? We have not been back to court since the intial divorce and I am not sure what to expect as the end draws near.

The divorce and residents of all parties is in Florida.
Thank you

[Attorney Howard Iken]

Unfortunately you must file a Supplemental Petition under the original case number. Nothing is automatic.

The new child support law that became effective last year does require all new orders to have termination dates for support. So you should not have to do it again when the second child reaches 18.

Be aware that support continues until 18 unless the child is still in high school. In that case the date may shift to age 19.

Attorney Howard Iken