child support attorneys

Child Support in Florida

In Florida, parents have a legal responsibility to support their children. Accordingly, child support is commonly established in Florida Divorce and Paternity court actions. Child support may also be established through Florida Department of Revenue administrative proceedings.

Support can come in many forms, but when child support is determined by the court, judges rely on the Florida Child Support Guidelines to calculate the appropriate amount.

The guidelines operate as a formula taking into account each parent’s income, the number of overnights the child spends with each parent, health insurance costs, daycare expenses, and other child-related needs.

How Child Support is Calculated

Although every family is unique, Florida Child Support Guidelines are uniform. When making a child support determination courts generally consider:
  • Each parent’s income
  • The number of minor children
  • Health insurance premiums for the children
  • Childcare or after‑school costs
  • The time‑sharing schedule
  • Any special needs or extraordinary expenses
  • Other unique deviation concerns

Florida child support matters often become complicated when the child’s needs and the incomes of the parties are in dispute.

The court may also order retroactive child support, potentially covering the period between separation and the filing of the case. The Court may also apportion additional child‑related expenses such as uncovered medical costs, extracurricular activities, and educational needs, and any necessary travel expenses to facilitate timesharing.

How Long Child Support Lasts

In Florida, a child support obligation typically continues until the child reaches age 18 or graduates from high school, whichever occurs later, unless special circumstances apply (i.e. a child with a disability who requires continued support).

Child Support and Parenting Plans

Parenting Plans, which govern time‑sharing and parental responsibilities, are closely tied to the establishment of child support in Florida. Because the number of overnights that each parent spends with the children is one of the primary variables in the Florida Child Support Guidelines, the details of the parenting plan can have a heavy impact on the child support calculation.

Modifying Child Support

Child support may be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances, such as:

  • A significant change in income
  • A significant change in the time‑sharing schedule
  • New child‑related expenses
  • Changes in health insurance availability or cost

Child Support Modifications generally require court approval, even if both parents agree.

Enforcing Child Support

If child support is not being paid, enforcement options may include:

  • Income Deduction Order
  • Contempt proceedings
  • Driver’s license suspension
  • Interception of tax refunds

The goal of child support enforcement is to ensure that children receive the support they are entitled to.

Speak With an Experienced Florida Child Support Attorney

To speak with an experienced Florida child support attorney at Levinson & Capuano, LLC, please call us at (954) 703‑2110 or Contact Us.

For more, here’s some popular vintage, bonus content: DO’s and DON’Ts of Child Support after Losing your Job