Which factors affect the calculation of child support in Florida?

To many, child support might seem confusing or difficult to understand. This is especially true when you need to consider what courts examine to help them calculate child support. In Florida certain factors can affect how much parents need to pay to provide for their children in a divorce. Familiarizing yourself with these factors can help you plan ahead and catch potential mistakes early.

What factors do courts consider when calculating child support?

Local family courts use the guidelines under Florida Statutes Section 61.30 to help them decide how much parents need to pay for child support.

First, the court looks at each parent’s net income, which refers to the income remaining after all deductions such as taxes or interest. Then it adds both incomes together and uses a guideline chart that considers the total income and the number of children to determine the support amount. Several factors can affect the calculation of child support:

• Net income inputs: Wages, bonuses, commissions, self-employment income and allowable deductions
• Parenting time: Overnights can trigger a substantial time-sharing adjustment
• Health insurance: Both parents may need to pay for their child’s health insurance and uncovered medical expenses
• Child care: Courts often consider work-related day care costs
• Other children and support orders: Certain adjustments apply when a parent has to support other children

After calculating the amount, the court determines each parent’s share. Both parents then pay a portion based on their percentage of the combined net income.

The significance of evidence in child support cases

Navigating child support can be difficult, especially because there is no fixed and universal amount that parents need to pay. However, the amount changes on a case-by-case basis, and calculations are typically based on real numbers as opposed to estimates. This means that evidence like pay stubs, tax returns, proof of insurance and child care bills can play a large role in determining how much parents need to pay for child support.