Child support is a critical issue for parents in the midst of already potentially challenging family dynamics. Parents may be concerned about establishing separate households and the financial obligations that come along with providing for a child, adding to the stress and worry that naturally accompanies parenting.
If you’ve ever wondered how child support obligations are determined from one situation to another, you’re not alone. This can be a complicated process and there are many rules and regulations that govern the child support system in Florida.
Child Support in Florida
It’s important for parents going through a divorce or separation to understand how child support works so that they can stay on top of their legal requirements.
What Is Child Support?
Child support is financial provision for minor children and is provided by one parent to the other based on the parents’ net incomes, insurance and childcare costs and the Florida Child Support Guidelines.
Florida’s Child Support Guidelines are used to determine how much child support a non-custodial parent will be obligated to pay. The guidelines specify how much support should be provided based on parents’ incomes and number of children.
The amount of the payment is generally determined by the parents’ income, their entitlement to custody, the number of overnights that the child or children spent with each parent, and the number of children involved.
What Does It Cover?
The goal of the child support system is to guarantee that the child will continue to be supported by both parents according to their means and the time each parent spends with the child.
How is It Determined?
According to Florida laws, the court will take into account each parent’s income, the child’s healthcare, and childcare expenses, as well as time spent with each parent.
Even in cases when time with the child is equally divided between the parents, child support will need to be calculated. The amount of time spent with each parent can be factored into the final child support calculation.
Family Law is One of Our Specialties
At Apfelbaum Law, we work with families who are going through challenging circumstances, and we understand the sensitive nature of family law matters. We can assist and advise you on how Florida law governs family relationships and the changing of those relationships.
If you have any questions related to family law in Florida, or have other questions about legal services, please contact us for a consultation.
