Child Support Attorneys in Fort Lauderdale
Florida child support is calculated using statutory guidelines that combine each parent's net income, the number of overnights, and specific add-ons. Our attorneys ensure the guideline calculation reflects the family's true financial picture.
Quick answer
Florida child support is calculated by statutory guideline under Fla. Stat. § 61.30 using both parents' net incomes, the number of overnights each parent exercises, and the cost of health insurance and childcare. The guideline result is presumptively correct and courts may deviate by more than 5 percent only with written findings. Support is available in divorce, paternity, and standalone support cases.
Child Support in Florida: key facts
- Governing statute
- Fla. Stat. § 61.30 (income-shares guideline)
- Inputs
- Both parents' net income, overnights, health insurance, childcare costs
- Substantial-overnight threshold
- 20% of overnights (73 nights) triggers the gross-up calculation
- Deviation
- Above 5% from guideline requires written findings
- Duration
- Generally to age 18, or to 19 if still in high school with expected graduation
- Modification
- Requires a substantial change, generally 15% or $50/month, whichever is greater
Overview
Child support in Florida is governed by Fla. Stat. § 61.30. The guideline amount is presumptively correct, but the court can deviate based on statutorily recognized factors.
The most common disputes involve imputation of income, treatment of self-employment or bonus income, allocation of health insurance and childcare costs, and the effect of the timesharing schedule on the guideline.
How the firm approaches child support
We prepare the guideline worksheet with the same rigor we bring to a valuation exhibit — supported by documentation, cross-checked against tax records, and defensible on the record.
When a parent's income is inconsistent or intentionally understated, we build the evidence needed to establish an accurate figure at the temporary and final hearings.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is child support calculated in Florida?
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The court combines both parents' net monthly income, applies the statutory guideline chart based on the number of children, and adjusts for health insurance, uncovered medical, childcare, and the number of overnights each parent has.
Can income be 'imputed' to a parent?
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Yes. If a parent is voluntarily unemployed or underemployed, the court can impute income based on recent work history, occupational qualifications, and prevailing local earnings.
How long does child support last?
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Child support in Florida generally continues until the child turns 18, or 19 if the child is still in high school and expected to graduate. It may continue for a dependent adult child with a disability.
Can child support be modified?
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Yes, on a substantial change in circumstances that produces at least a 15% or $50 change in the guideline amount, whichever is greater.
What if the other parent won't pay?
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Enforcement remedies include income deduction orders, contempt, license suspension, tax refund interception, and other statutory tools.
How is child support calculated in Florida?
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Florida uses an income-shares model. Both parents' net monthly incomes are combined and applied to the statutory guideline schedule in Fla. Stat. § 61.30 to determine the total support obligation, which is then apportioned between the parents by income share and adjusted for the number of overnights, health insurance premiums, and work-related childcare. The result is presumptively the correct amount.
Does 50/50 timesharing eliminate child support in Florida?
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No. Equal timesharing reduces but does not eliminate a support obligation when the parents' incomes differ. The guideline gross-up calculation applies whenever a parent exercises at least 20 percent of the overnights, and the higher earner typically still pays support so the child experiences a comparable standard of living in both households.
Can Florida child support be modified?
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Yes. Either parent may petition to modify support when there is a substantial, permanent, and involuntary change in circumstances — commonly a change in income, a change in the timesharing schedule, or a change in childcare or insurance costs. Florida generally requires that the recalculated amount differ by at least 15 percent or $50 per month, whichever is greater.
Discuss your matter, in confidence.
Monday – Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (closed 12:00 – 1:00 p.m.)