Child Support

Hey there, it's Leisa from Family Matters Law Group. As an attorney who works extensively in the realm of family law in Florida, I want to share some essential insights about child support in the Florida Family Court.
Child support in Florida operates on a calculation that takes into consideration various factors such as the incomes of both parents, the costs of childcare, and healthcare expenses for both the children and parents. These inputs are plugged into a formula to determine the specific amount of child support that one parent is obligated to pay to the other.
Now, let's address the impact of court-ordered overnights on child support. Theseovernights play a role in adjusting the support amount. However, it's important to note that for unmarried parents who haven't been to court concerning the child before, the number of overnights may likely be calculated at zero, regardless of the actual time spent with the child.
If you're considering seeking a child support order through the courts, it's crucial to be aware that the courts can retroactively apply child support for up to 24 months, or until the last time the parents lived together, whichever time frame is shorter.
Modifying child support is an option if there are significant changes in any of the factors used to calculate the support amount. This includes changes in parental incomes, healthcare costs, childcare expenses, or the number of overnights. It's important to gather accurate information about these factors to ensure a smooth process if a modification is under consideration.
It's important to understand that child support in Florida cannot be waived by either parent, and the calculated support amount is generally non-negotiable. However, the support amount can be adjusted in the future if there are substantial changes in the factors used for the initial calculation.
To sum it up, child support in Florida follows a specific formula and can be modified in the future if there are significant changes in the relevant factors. If you're in need of more information or considering seeking legal assistance for child support matters, don't hesitate to reach out to our team at Family Matters Law Group. We're here to provide guidance and support to help you navigate the complexities of child support in Florida Family Court.
If you have any doubts, feel free to contact us for a free consultation. We're always here to help. Thanks for reading!