UNDERSTANDING CHILD SUPPORT IN FLORIDA
How it's Calculated and What You Need to KnowContact Medina Law Firm: Your Miami-Dade Child Support Attorney
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When parents separate or divorce, child support ensures that children continue to receive the financial support they need—but understanding how Florida calculates child support can be confusing.
At Medina Law Firm, we help parents navigate Florida’s child support laws with clarity and confidence—whether you’re seeking support or ensuring that your payments are fair and reasonable.
How is Child Support Calculated in Florida?
Florida follows a statewide formula to determine child support. Unlike alimony, which is decided case by case, child support is calculated using specific guidelines that take into account several key factors:
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Each Parent’s Income
The court looks at each parent’s gross income, including:
- Wages, salaries, and bonuses
- Self-employment income
- Rental income
- Pension or retirement benefits
- Unemployment or disability benefits
- Social Security benefits
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Number of Children
- Support obligations increase with multiple children, ensuring that all children are cared for adequately.
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Time-Sharing (Parenting Time)
- How many overnight stays each parent has significantly affects child support.
- If a parent has the child less than 20% of the time (less than 73 nights per year), they typically pay more in child support.
- If parenting time is more evenly split, support amounts may be adjusted to reflect shared expenses.
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Healthcare & Childcare Costs
- The cost of health insurance, medical expenses, and childcare is factored into the total child support obligation.
- These costs are typically divided proportionally between both parents based on income.
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Other Expenses
The court may also consider:
- Educational costs
- Extracurricular activities
- Special needs expenses
Can Child Support be Modified?
Yes! Child support isn’t set in stone. If either parent experiences a significant change in income, job loss, or a major shift in parenting time, support can be modified through the court.
Why Having the Right Legal Guidance Matters
Even though Florida uses a formula, child support cases can still become complicated—especially when there are disputes over income, time-sharing, or expenses.
At Medina Law Firm, we help parents:
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Ensure Fair Calculations
We make sure all income and expenses are correctly accounted for.
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Modify Child Support When Necessary
If circumstances change, we help you request modifications.
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Enforce Child Support Orders
If payments are not being made, we help you take legal action to protect your child’s rights.
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Get the Support You Deserve
Whether you're seeking child support or making payments, understanding your rights and obligations is crucial. The right legal strategy can help ensure a fair outcome for both you and your child.
Did you know that Child Support and Time Sharing (visitation) can be worked out to everyone’s benefit without costly litigation? If you are in the midst of a divorce or about to get one, there is a more affordable option.
Consider Mediation
Medina Law Firm Offers a More Affordable Alternative to Divorce Litigation
If you're on good terms with your spouse and you're both willing to sit down together with a mediator for the greater good of your family, your sanity and your bank accounts, then Divorce Mediation may be just what you need.
Everything that would normally be decided by a judge can be decided by you and your spouse in about 3 hours with me acting as your neutral mediator. And you’ll be legally divorced in about 3 weeks from the time the paperwork is filed. It’s fast, affordable and much less stressful.
FAQs
Some frequently asked questions about child support in the state of Florida.
Have more questions? Get in Touch
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Be Prepared, Know Your Rights,
Get a Fair Child Support Result
Book a call with a child support attorney at Medina Law Firm.