As you face the prospect of becoming a single parent, one of the biggest concerns on your mind is likely child support. Who is responsible for making payments? How much financial support can you expect to receive—or pay?
Understanding the financial future for your child can be overwhelming, but that’s where tools like a child support calculator can help.
At Leap Frog Divorce, we stay ahead of the ever-evolving Florida child support guidelines to ensure that you have the latest information. To make things easier, we’ve developed a child support calculator designed to provide clarity and help you plan for the road ahead.
Let’s take a closer look at how Florida calculates child support payments so you can be better prepared for the road ahead.
Florida Child Support Calculator
Keep in mind that this calculator is meant to be an informative tool and only reveals an estimate of the child support you may pay or receive. The calculator assumes 50-50 custody. This calculator is not a substitute for legal advice.
Florida Child Support Factors
Several factors determine the amount of child support under the Florida child support laws. These include financial considerations, the child’s needs, and parental responsibilities.
Here are the key factors that the court takes into account:
- Net income of both parents
- Number of children
- Age of children
- Visitation schedule
- Cost of health insurance
- Medical expenses
While the court has some flexibility in setting the amount of child support, judges are only permitted to deviate from Florida’s child support guidelines by 5%.
Who Pays Child Support In Florida?
There is a common misconception that child support is something fathers always pay (and mothers often try to increase), but modern laws have moved beyond this outdated belief. The reality is either parent may be responsible for paying child support and that the amount is set by the courts, not by a particular parent.
To determine who pays and how much, both parents are required to submit a financial affidavit that lists all sources of income, including (but not limited to):
- Salary or wages (including bonuses, commissions, allowances, overtime, tips, and other similar payments)
- Disability benefits
- Workers’ compensation benefits and settlements
- Reemployment assistance or unemployment compensation
- Pension, retirement, or annuity payments
- Social security benefits
- Spousal support
- Interest and dividends
- Rental income
- Income from royalties, trusts, or estates
Once certain expenses are deducted, the net income from each parent is added together to reach the combined monthly income. From there, Florida uses a guideline, or grid, to determine the minimum child support amount.
The process involves adding both parents’ net incomes and calculating the percentage each contributes to the total. This percentage represents the minimum amount of child support each parent is responsible for. The number of overnight stays the child has with each parent, along with any existing financial contributions—such as health insurance premiums for a minor child —are also factored into the final child support amount.
It’s also important to note that parents cannot privately agree that one party will avoid paying child support. Even if both parents agree on financial matters, the court must approve all child support arrangements to ensure that the child’s best interests are protected.
An Example Of How Child Support Is Calculated
Let’s examine a purely hypothetical example of how child support is calculated.
Ann and Jim have two children together. Ann’s net monthly income is $5,000 and Jim’s is $3,000. Their combined net monthly income is $8,000. Based on the Florida child support guidelines, the minimum amount of support needed for both children is $2,004.
But who pays that amount?
The starting point is the following:
Because Ann’s income makes up 62.5% of their combined net income, she is responsible for 62.5% of the child support, or $1,252.50. Jim is therefore responsible for 37.5%, or $751.50.
However, Jim is already paying for Johnny’s health insurance premiums, which add up to $100 a month. He also has joint custody of the children for much of the year, during which time he houses and feeds them.
In this case, the Judge may declare that Ann owes child support for Johnny.
Can Child Support Be Modified?
Life changes, and so can child support orders.
In Florida, child support can be modified when there is a substantial change in circumstances that affects either parent’s ability to pay or the child’s financial needs.
Common reasons for seeking a modification include a change in income (such as a job loss or a significant raise), changes in the child’s healthcare or educational needs, or a shift in the time-sharing (custody) arrangement.
To request a child support modification, the parent seeking the change must file a supplemental petition with the court and demonstrate that the circumstances have changed substantially and permanently. The court will then review the request and determine whether an adjustment to the existing child support order is necessary.
It’s important to remember that any change must be approved by the court—parents cannot simply agree on a new amount between themselves. Until the court officially grants a modification, the existing child support order remains in effect.
Conclusion
Navigating the complexities of child support in Florida can feel overwhelming, especially with so many factors influencing the final amount.
From understanding the Florida child support guidelines to calculating ordered child support, it’s essential to have a clear picture of your financial obligations and rights. Whether you are seeking child support, need help with modifications, or are addressing related matters like alimony payments, working with experienced family law professionals is key.
At Leap Frog Divorce, our team of skilled child support attorneys is here to guide you through every step of the process. We understand the importance of ensuring your child’s needs are met, and we’re dedicated to helping you secure a fair and accurate support order.
If you have questions or need assistance with your case, contact us today for personalized support.
