Whether you’re going through a divorce, or setting up a parenting agreement for a child born to an unmarried couple, the subject of child support is often one of the most difficult and confusing to sort out for all parties. In the state of Florida, family law courts have a list of guidelines (as established in Florida Statute 61.30) that are used when determining how much will be paid in child support, and to whom.
Child Support Attorney
Primary Child Support Guidelines in the State of Florida
In Florida, the parent who has majority of the time with the child will typically be the one who receives the child support payments. The following are some of the main factors that are taken into consideration when determining the amount of support a the other parent will have to pay:
- Income of Parents – The courts will look at the net income of each parent, and enter that into a formula to establish a starting point for their rulings.
- Certain Expenses – A few expenses will be taken into account, such as taxes, certain daycare expenses, and health insurance costs.
- Parenting Time – The amount of overnights that the child or children spend with each parent. If a father only sees their children one day per month, for example, they will likely pay more than if they were to have the children every other week (all other things being equal).
Legal Separation In Florida
Additional Considerations
While the above items are typically going to “carry more weight” for the courts, there are many other factors that can come into play. The courts will look at virtually every aspect of both party’s circumstances, and use that to help determine the exact amount of child support that will be paid. Some factors may be:
- Additional Known Expenses – If a child has a known issue with their vision (or other health issues), the courts may factor in things like extra costs of glasses or eye care into their order.
- Agreed-Upon Expenses – In the event that the parents had long agreed to an expense for the child, that can be factored in. For example, if the children have been attending a private school their entire life, the courts may factor in tuition costs into the child support amount to help ensure that they can continue their education in the same school.
- And more!
Divorce attorney Miami
Every Case is Unique
It is important to remember that every divorce and child support case is unique, and the courts will treat it as such. This is why it is so important to have an experienced attorney fighting for your interests. Contact Farber Law – Child Custody Lawyers.
About the Author:
Helena Y. Farber is an Child Support Attorney in Aventura, Florida, whose practice is concentrated in the areas divorce and family law. She can be reached at (305) 520-9205 or via email at hyf@farberlawpa.com.
Disclaimer:
The attorney makes this Blog available for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this blog site you understand that there is no attorney-client relationship between you and the Blog. The Blog should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.