Child Support
This division, in cooperation with the State of Florida Disbursement Unit (SDU), acts as the central depository for
receiving, recording, reporting, monitoring and disbursing alimony and child support payments, in accordance with
Florida Statutes, Section 61.181. Florida law also directs that the Clerk of the Circuit Court process liens for nonpayment of support.
Additionally, the section processes court cases filed by the Department of Revenue, Office of Child Support
Enforcement, and assists the judiciary during related court proceedings.
PLEASE NOTE: All in-person alimony and child support payments are being processed in the Courthouse’s East Wing, First Floor from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday (closing from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.).
Child Support Fees
Most fees may be paid by check, money order, or credit card. A 3.5% nonrefundable fee is charged by the financial service provider for each credit card transaction. If using a credit card, a photo I.D. which matches the name of the credit card holder must be presented at the time of the transaction. Payment should be made payable to "Gary J. Cooney, Clerk of Court & Comptroller."
PLEASE NOTE: We do not accept cashier's checks more than two (2) months from the issue date. In some cases, a credit card payment is not accepted. View more information on general payments.
| Item |
Fee Amount |
| Filing cross-claim, counterclaim, or third-party complaint |
$295.00 |
| Reopen Fee |
$50.00 |
| Fee for alimony or child support is 4% of payment but not less than $1.00 nor more than $5.25 |
4% not to exceed $5.25 |
| Issuing each summons |
$10.00 |
Filing Notice of Appeal: Circuit Court to District Court of Appeal
1.Payment to Clerk of the Circuit Court
2.Payment to Clerk of District Court of Appeal |
$100.00
$300.00 |
| For preparing, numbering and indexing an original record of Appellate Proceedings, per instrument |
$3.50 |
| Clerk's Certificate |
$7.00 |
| For examining, comparing, correcting, verifying, and certifying transcripts of Appellate Proceedings prepared by someone other than the Clerk, per page |
$5.00 |
| |
Frequently Asked Questions
- How can I get child support for my child/children?
A court order is required to initiate payment through the Clerk's Office. You will need to contact a private attorney or the Department of Revenue, Office of Child Support Enforcement, for assistance in obtaining a court order.
- What is the SDU?
The SDU is the State of Florida Disbursement Unit. This unit was established pursuant to Section 61.1824, Florida Statutes, and provisions included in the federal Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1999 (commonly known as the Welfare Reform Act). Under this system, payments must be sent to the statewide processing unit in Tallahassee, called the State of Florida Disbursement Unit (FLSDU). This unit will process the payments and then issue checks to the receiving families.
- How long will it take to get my check?
Payments received at the SDU are remitted the following business day. If a payment is made at the local clerk's office, it must be transmitted to the SDU, and therefore the payment is remitted to the recipient the second business day.
- Do you offer Direct Deposit?
Yes, if your case is not contracted with the Department of Revenue. To have your support payment deposited directly into your bank account, you must complete an authorization form. Call the child support department to request an authorization form, or download the Direct Deposit form from the Clerk's web site.
- When was the last support payment made?
If your case is not contracted with the Department of Revenue you may call the State of Florida Disbursement Unit at 1-877-769-0251. You will need to have your social security available.
You may call the Clerk's office regarding payment information once every seven days at (352) 742-4140.
In order to view your information online, visit Florida's online portal at www.PayKidz.com.
- The absent parent is behind in the payment of child support. What can I do?
The Clerk's office has no enforcement authority. You will need to contact a private attorney, or the Department of Revenue, Office of Child Support Enforcement, for assistance.
- I have a new address or a new name. What do I need to do?
To make changes to the record, our office must receive notice of the change in writing. You can download the Information Change Request form from the Clerk's web site. Always remember to include your case number on any correspondence. The change may be faxed to the Clerk's office at (352) 742-4316.
- How can I get copies of payments made on my case?
Payment records are available at a cost of $1.00 per year. If you only need records from 1995 forward, you may submit your request and payment by mail, or come to the office and have the copies made while you wait. If your request is for records prior to 1995, you must submit your request in writing and enclose payment of $1.00 per year requested.
- Where do I mail my child support payments?
Your child support payments should be mailed to the State of Florida Disbursement Unit at P.O. Box 8500, Tallahassee, FL 32314. Your payments must include your case number, Lake County, and party names.
- How do I stop support when my child turns 18 or graduates from high school?
It depends on the specific language contained in the support order. Read your order carefully. If you believe that an event referred to in your order that should cause support to terminate has occurred, contact the Clerk's Office. If you believe an event not included in the order has occurred, you may need to file a request to modify the child support order. You may wish to consult an attorney.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Social Security Number, Bank Account, Debit, Charge, or Credit Card Number -- Any person preparing or filing a
court document should not include a social security number or a complete bank account, debit, charge, or credit card
number in such document, unless required by law or court rule, or necessary to the adjudication of the case... View Complete Notice