Frequently Asked Questions About Child Support in Florida
Whether you were ordered to pay child support or you are going to receive it, you likely have many questions about the system. You may wonder how payments are calculated, what the support is meant to cover, and how long support orders last. Below, our Florida child support attorney outlines some of the most frequently asked questions we hear, and the answers to them.
How is Child Support Calculated in Florida?
The formula used to calculate child support is outlined in the Florida Statutes. Florida uses an income shares model, which means the child should receive the same amount of support they would if their parents had not separated or divorced. For example, if one parent earns 80 percent of the combined income, they would likely be responsible for 80 percent of the child’s financial needs. The court will consider many factors when ordering child support, including:
- The monthly gross income of each parent
- The number of overnight visits the child will spend with each parent
- Childcare costs and healthcare insurance
- Other support obligations, if the parent is also supporting a child from another relationship
What Does Child Support Pay For?
Child support is meant to provide for a child’s basic needs in Florida. These include food, clothing, shelter, medical expenses, health insurance, childcare, and educational costs, to name just a few. Although child support can be used to partly cover expenses such as the mortgage because children do need shelter, child support is not meant to cover the parent’s personal expenses.
What Constitutes Income?
Income refers to more than just salaries and wages when decisions about child support are made. Income can also include the following:
- Rental income
- Self-employment income
- Social Security or disability benefits
- Workers’ compensation and unemployment benefits
- Interest and dividends
- Retirement and pension income
- Alimony payments
Benefits that do not include cash, such as free housing, can constitute income if they reduce a parent’s expenses. When a parent is voluntarily underemployed or unemployed, the courts can also impute, or estimate an approximate income, for them.
When Do Child Support Payments End?
Generally speaking, child support payments stop when a child turns 18 years old or graduates from high school. If a child struggles with a mental or physical disability, child support may continue indefinitely.
Can Child Support Be Modified?
Yes. If either party can show a significant change in circumstances, such as job loss, the party seeking a change in child support can petition the court for a modification. Typically, the substantial change must be permanent and involuntary.
Our Child Support Attorney in Florida Can Answer Your Questions
It is natural to have many questions when considering the issue of child support. At Florida Law Advisers, P.A., our Florida child support attorney can answer them so you are prepared for the process and know what to expect. Call us now at 1 (800) 990-7763 or contact us online to request a consultation with our experienced attorney and to learn more about how we can help with your case.
Source:
flsenate.gov/laws/statutes/2012/61.30
