Florida Child Support
Florida divorce courts may order either parent to pay child support, depending on the circumstances of the divorce. Typically, Florida child support is calculated by estimating the support the child would have received in the family would have stayed together. That estimated amount is divided proportionally according to each parent's incomes. Typically Florida divorce courts use a worksheet to estimate each parent's income with past pay stubs or W-2s to determine Florida child support.
Specific child support guidelines are defined in the Florida Statutes Annotated, but the Florida divorce court does consider other child support factors that may alter the guidelines, including:
- Extraordinary medical, psychological, educational or dental expenses
- Child's independent income
- If the custodial parent is receiving child support and Florida maintenance
- Seasonal variations in the parent's income or expenses
- Age of the child since typically older children have greater needs
- Special needs of the family
- Terms of joint child custody
- All assets of the parents and child
- Impact of any IRS Dependency Exemption
- Others relevant issues that will make child support orders equal
The Florida divorce court may include which parent covers heath and life insurance in the Florida child support order. The divorce court may also order the child support be paid through a state depository.
If it has been three years since the existing Florida child support order was made, the Florida divorce court can be petitioned to modify child support. To petition the divorce courts, the difference between the current support payments and the proposed support payments must be at least 10% or $25 a month - whichever amount is greater. This is calculated using current information and statutory guidelines. If there have been a significant change in circumstances, it is possible to petition the Florida divorce court before three years have passed to modify child support.
To see how the circumstances of your divorce may affect how much child support you pay or receive, speak with a local Florida divorce lawyer today. Protect your financial security and your child's by calling 877-349-1310 or filling out a Florida divorce case review to connect with a Florida divorce attorney in your area today.
The above synopsis of Florida divorce laws is by no means
all-inclusive and has been adapted from applicable state laws. These
laws may have changed since our last update and there may be additional
laws that apply in your situation. For the latest information on these
divorce laws, please contact a local Florida divorce attorney in your area.
Florida divorce laws were last updated April 2009.
Note:
Keep in mind that all divorce laws are complex. If you need legal
divorce advice or want to fully understand how these laws affect you,
please speak with a local divorce attorney.
