Florida Child Support Laws
The divorce and family law process can be lengthy and complicated and involve a number of issues that need to be settled. One of these issues is child support. Florida child support laws are designed to make the process straightforward and simple. However, it is important to seek the help of a qualified Orlando divorce attorney who can ensure that your rights and your children’s rights are protected.
Child Support and Income Share Mode
Florida child support laws are based on the Income Share Mode, used to calculate the amount of child support due by one parent to another. The Income Share Model takes into account the number of children in the household and the net income of each parent before determining the amount of monthly support. The definition of “net income” for child support purposes is not necessarily the same as the definition of “net income” for federal income tax purposes.
Factors That Determine Child Support
According to Florida child support laws, the court will set child support using a formula based on a number of factors, which include, but are not limited, to:
- Salary or wages of each spouse
- Bonuses, commissions, allowances, and tips
- Business income from self-employment, partnership, etc.
- All workers’ compensation, social security, disability benefits
- Interest and dividends
Because the Florida child support laws are designed to produce a fair child support arrangement, the court has the authority to increase or decrease the support up to 5%. The court can also adjust the amount of child support by more than 5% for a good legal reason, including, but not limited to:
- Extraordinary medical, psychological, education, or dental expenses
- Independent income of the child
- Seasonal variations in one or both parents income or expenses
- Special needs of the child
- The age of the child
There are also special provisions in the child support law for children who spend a substantial amount of overnights with the non-residential parent. These laws can be complicated and should be discussed with an experienced family lawyer.
There are several child support matters that need to be addressed during the proceedings. Besides deciding on the amount of child support, most child support agreements must set the terms for the payment of the children’s health and dental insurance, daycare, and/or after/before school care. In addition, parents need to agree how they will split the costs for co-pays and other un-reimbursed medical and dental expenses for the children.
Get Help from a Child Support Lawyer in Orlando
A divorce and other family law proceedings can be difficult and become even more complex when children are involved. If you or someone you know is in the process of divorce or child support proceedings, it is important to seek the help of a qualified Florida divorce attorney. An experienced divorce attorney who is familiar with Florida child support laws can help protect your legal rights and maximize your legal options. Contact a Child Support Lawyer in Orlando to speak with a qualified Florida child support attorney about your case free of charge.
The Chartered Law Offices of Troum & Wallsh is conveniently located one block from Interstate 4 on Lee Road in Winter Park, Florida. The lawyers are licensed in all Florida state courts. The firm frequently handles family law cases in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake, Marion, Volusia and Brevard Counties and has on occasion handled cases outside of central Florida.