Child Support

In Florida, both parents are responsible for the support of their minor children. Child support is a monthly amount of money that a parent is required to pay the other parent for the needs of any child. Child support is for items such as housing, food, clothing , services, activities and other expenses of the children . 

In Florida, child support rules indicate that both parents are expected to contribute to support their minor children. The amount of money that a parent is required to pay to the other party is based on both parties’ income after taxes (net ) or earning capacity of the parties and amount of time each parent spends with the children.  

 

Child support is an issue that must be addressed by the parties, for the dependent minor children that are involved in a family case . The Florida Statutes § 61.30 establishes the child support guidelines , the basic starting place for all child support calculations . 

In addition to the income of the parties, there are other factors that affect the calculation of child support are: 

• The child's needs (such as childcare ) 

• The number of overnights each parent spends with the child 

• Health insurance (medical and dental ) 

There are times when it may be appropriate to deviate from the Child Support Guidelines . This is often done when a child has special needs or when one parent has needs or special circumstances which make it inequitable for him or her to pay child support according to strict legal guidelines . These exceptions are considered in determining an appropriate amount of child support. 

Either party may request a modification of child support if there has been a substantial, material change in circumstances.  

​

For more information, please use the form below or call us at: 954.529.2057