How do judges decide whether to award retroactive child support?

If you ask for retroactive child support in your petition and the facts support such an award (child old enough, didn't live with NCP, NCP has no proof of payment, etc.), the judge will give you retroactive child support.

Retroactive support is awarded up to 24 months prior to the filing of the petition for dissolution or paternity as long as you and the Father were not residing together and supporting the child together. The retroactive amount will be established based on both parties' financials over the last 2 years. Good luck.

I agree with my colleagues, the State of Florida can award retroactive child support going back 24 months from the date a Petition is Filed. You need to make sure the Petition requests retroactive child support and properly alleges the facts necessary to support an award (such as the father has not supported the child in any way during the last 24 months). Please let us know if these posts are at all helpful by hitting the helpful button. Good luck.