How to calculate child support in Florida?

Child support is a mandatory payment that a parent is required to make periodically so their child is supported financially after a relationship or marriage has broken apart. Child support is provided for the clothes, books, food, and other necessities that a child needs. The parent who does not stay with the child anymore is required to pay child support. Child support calculation can be confusing in some cases. In addition, there are different rules for child support in different states. This article talks about how to calculate child support in Florida.

How is child support calculated in Florida?

While it is obvious to all parties involved what child support means, not everyone understands how child support is calculated in Florida. The courts of Florida are extremely precise in calculating child support. Some parents can get confused and angry at the amount they are required to pay as they do not know the basis of the calculation. They might have heard about parents of other children paying less than they did and getting hurt and angry at the Florida courts. In some cases, it has been noted that sometimes a parent of three children was required to pay less in child support than a parent of only one child.
It is essential to understand how child support is calculated by the courts so that divorcing parents can estimate how much they would be required to pay by the law. You can easily find many calculators online that claim to calculate the child support you would be ordered to pay by the courts of Florida. You just have to enter some information about the incomes of both parents, and you will get an accurate estimate of the amount of child support you will be required to pay.

Child support laws in Florida

Florida law states that parents should compulsorily provide financial support for their children. It uses an "income share model" to calculate the exact amount a parent should pay. Using this model, the courts determine the amount of money the parents would've spent on the child collectively if they hadn't separated or divorced and stayed together. Then the Florida courts take into account the incomes of both the parents. Finally, the amount is divided between the two parents based on their individual incomes. This is how the law in Florida decides how child support should be calculated. The courts of Florida follow child support guidelines in determining the amount to be paid. The child support guidelines are found in Florida Statute 61.30. By following the guidelines in the Florida Statutes, a presumptive amount is determined. In most circumstances, the courts of Florida must follow Florida Statute 61.30 to order the amount of child support to be paid by one parent.
However, some flexibility is granted to the courts to calculate the amount of child support a parent must pay in certain cases. For example, the courts have the power to order a parent to pay 5 percent more or 5 percent less of the amount set by the child support guidelines. The courts can exercise this power if they feel the particular circumstances require it. For example, suppose the court decides to alter the amount set by the child support guidelines. In that case, they must produce a written finding explaining why they think the presumptive amount is not right for the particular situation.

Steps to take for child support hearings in Florida

Whenever a couple decides to separate in Florida and there is a divorce case, the courts make both parents make financial affidavits with details about their expenses and income. Both parents must file detailed affidavits with the court and send them to the other parent. Then the next step is to follow the child support guidelines and determine the precise amount of child support a parent needs to pay periodically. Additional expenses for the child are then divided between the two parents based on their income.

Changes in the child support amount

The only way the decided amount of child support can be moderated is when either of the two parents has substantial and ongoing changes in their income. The parent who wishes to change the stipulated amount of child support should gather evidence of this change in financial circumstances. The changes in financial circumstances that would warrant a change in the agreed-upon amount of child support could be when someone loses their employment or gets a permanent and high raise at their job. Then, the other parent can file a case in the court for modification of the amount of child support if they feel it's necessary.

The difference between child support and alimony

In some cases, the courts in Florida have the power to order a parent to pay alimony and child support to the other parent. Some people wrongly believe that if a parent pays child support, they are not required to pay alimony. However, child support and alimony are entirely different. They think the courts won't order them to pay their ex-spouse twice. However, child support payments are only for your children's benefit. You are not paying the child directly as they are minors who cannot receive money ordered by the court. Alimony is the amount of money the court orders you to pay to your ex-spouse after your divorce.

Conclusion

Calculating the child support the court will order you to pay once you divorce your spouse is essential. It is important to estimate the right amount of child support to avoid confusion or anger. Having an experienced attorney who has dealt with child support cases before is essential to ensure that you follow all the court case steps. They can help you file the affidavit and fill in the exact income and expenses. Attorneys can explain child support guidelines to the parents to better prepare them for the court case. You can consult with them about the changes in tax returns you will face after alimony or child support payments.

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