About

If you’re facing a child support issue, you’re likely dealing with uncertainty, stress, and more conflicting information than you know what to do with. The decisions you make early on can have lasting consequences—but most people begin the process without a clear understanding of what actually matters.

I wrote this book—and created this site—to change that.

I am a Florida divorce attorney who has represented clients through every stage of the child support process. Over time, I’ve seen the same patterns repeat: people relying on misinformation, reacting emotionally instead of strategically, and making avoidable mistakes that affect their finances, their families, and their future.

In addition to my legal practice, I taught law as an adjunct professor at Jones College for over four years. I also hosted a weekly legal internet radio show broadcast from the Blackstone Building in Jacksonville, Florida, where I discussed a range of topics including child support and family law. These experiences reinforced something I see every day—when people understand the framework, they make better decisions.

My work has also included appellate advocacy, including a successful decision in Sencoa Crawford v. Dep’t of Revenue, 219 So. 3d 224 (Fla. 1st DCA 2017); 2017 Fla. App. LEXIS 6931; 42 Fla. L. Weekly D1112; 2017 WL 2130238 (holding that Department of Revenue hearing officers cannot order arrests or incarceration—only judges have that authority, and there must be proof of a present ability to pay before contempt can be enforced). The case received significant attention at the time and addressed a serious issue in Duval County: Department of Revenue hearing officers were causing litigants to be arrested in court during child support proceedings. I challenged the legal authority for that practice, arguing that it undermined due process and had a chilling effect on individuals appearing to defend themselves.

The First District Court of Appeal agreed, holding that hearing officers do not have the authority to order arrests—only judges do. The decision effectively ended the practice.

Key points from the decision include: - There was no competent, substantial evidence that the father had the present ability to pay child support or any purge amount, despite findings of indigency. - A Department of Revenue hearing officer exceeded their authority by finding contempt and ordering incarceration. - Under Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure 12.491 and 12.615, only a judge—not a hearing officer—may enter a contempt order or order incarceration.

Experiences like that shape how I approach every matter: with a focus on strategy, clarity, and outcomes.

This book reflects that approach.

It is not a dense legal textbook or a collection of abstract principles. It is a practical guide grounded in real-world experience—focused on what actually affects outcomes, what to prioritize, and what to avoid.

Through this book and this site, my goal is simple: - Help you understand the process
- Help you avoid common and costly mistakes
- Help you make decisions from a position of clarity, not fear

Divorce and Paternity Cases are difficult, but navigating child support doesn’t have to be confusing.

If you’re at the beginning of the process, this is the place to start.

Neil L. Weinreb