Family Law

Florida Child Support Laws

Family Law Areas

Custody Issues

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 Florida divorce attorney who can ensure that your rights and your children’s rights are fully protected.

Florida child support laws are based on the Income Share Model, which is 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.

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 Florida child support laws for children who spend a substantial amount of overnight visits 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 divorce proceedings. Besides deciding on the amount of child support due from the non-residential parent, most child support agreements must set the terms for the payment of the child’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 child.

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 us today to learn more about Florida child support laws or 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 on Lee Road in Winter Park, Florida, one block from Interstate 4. The qualified family law attorneys at Troum & Wallsh are certified in all Florida State courts. Our firm handles cases in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake, Marion, Volusia, and Brevard Counties and has on occasion taken cases outside of central Florida.