How is Child Support Calculated in Florida?
Child support is determined by state guidelines, with some of the major factors being:
- The number of children
- The income of each parent
- Costs associated with child care
- Costs associated with medical insurance
- Time spent with the children
To calculate child support in Florida, the courts take the view that both parents should share as equally as possible in three areas of parenting:
- Child support
- Time sharing
- Parental responsibility
In practice, however, the parent with a larger income typically covers a greater share of the expenses of raising the child. Support is usually paid to the parent who spends the most time with the child, but each case is different, and the income of both parents is part of the calculation. In the case of an unmarried mother, it is necessary to establish paternity before seeking child support.
There are many online child support calculators, but the truth is that they are not reliable. Calculating child support in FL is too nuanced and depends on a judge's view of your net income and parental responsibility. Therefore, child support cannot be accurately calculated by a Florida child support calculator tool you find online.
Our seasoned child support lawyer in Jacksonville, FL can help you fight for a fair child support order or assist you with that process and petition the court for support from the father of your child. We can also assist someone facing a paternity action when he is not the father of the child. Our firm has built a reputation for our legal skills and dedication to the best possible results for our clients.
Understanding Child Support Tax Implications in FL
In Florida, child support is not taxable to the recipient or tax-deductible by the payer. This means that, if you receive child support, you do not have to include it as income on your tax return or, if you pay child support, you cannot list it as a deduction on your tax return.
Modifying Child Support in Florida
Circumstances in everyone's lives can change suddenly and unexpectedly. Sudden unemployment, unanticipated medical emergencies, bankruptcy or domestic violence can justify a modification of a divorce decree. Dramatic changes in income, health or behavior can all be a reason to petition the court to modify a child support ruling.
In most circumstances, individuals petitioning for modification of child support payments will have to show proof of things like:
- Salary or wages
- Bonuses
- Disability benefits
- Workers' compensation
- Pension
- Income from royalties or trusts
- Social Security benefits
However, according to Florida Statutes § 61.30(c), if the amount of child support award differs by at least 10 percent but not less than $25, then the modification order will be approved without proof of a change in circumstances. To learn more about qualifying for a modification, please consult a divorce lawyer from our firm.
If you wish to modify your original child support agreement, you should first speak to a Jacksonville child support attorney at the Law Offices of Jason K.S. Porter, P.A. We can discuss the changes you have experienced and advise you on the best way to proceed.
Contact the firm for skilled and dedicated advocacy in your family law matters.
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My divorce litigated for close to two years as it was highly contentious and involved more complexities. Ms. Carlucci did a wonderful job of helping me understand and navigate the legal system. Ms. Carlucci set realistic expectations and was willing to listen to my concerns, questions, and thoughts. Divorce can be a very grueling and hard process. Ms. Carlucci provides great support and promotes collaboration with her clients.
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Over the past month or so I had made a call to the Law offices of Jason Porter because I needed to resolve an issue that occurred over 7 years ago. Once I explained the situation the secretary sent me directly to Jonathan Thacher. All I can say is that Thacher did an amazing job handling my case and I am extremely happy right now. I no longer have to worry about that problem ever again thanks to Thacher. The work was effective and everything went through perfectly. Thank you so much man you really took years of stress off my shoulder and I can finally have clarity in my mind.- Joshua S.
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I used them for a personal injury case. They were professional, attentive, and got me an acceptable settlement in a timely manner. This helped greatly to get me back on my feet financially. Thank you very much.- Jonathan E.
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I am so happy and grateful that I picked Porter!! Jonathan Thacher made me feel like I had someone on my side from beginning to end. He told me he would fight for me, and I am thrilled to say he did just that! I was always able to reach him, and he made sure to reach out to me as well...and that means a lot. I highly recommend The Porter Law Firm to any and everyone who needs legal help! They will fight for you!!! I can say, without a doubt, they have been my "Dream Team" and if I ever need any kind of legal help, I will be calling them again!!!- Lindsi W.
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I retained The Law Offices of Jason K.S. Porter, P.A. a few years back. They were honest, personable, reasonable, and effective. I would recommend a consultation for any legal matter. If it is out of their field of expertise, they will advise you of that as well.- Lido B.
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My fiancé and I were referred here by a friend. Our lawyer was Nicole Carlucci and paralegal was Danielle Castillo, they were beyond wonderful. Easy to communicate with, always gave us our options and never made us feel pressured. Our relationship with them was very personable and we always felt as if we were their only clients! We seeked their help with regards to child support and time sharing. The experience was just wonderful!!!!! We would recommend them 10 times over.- Kizgel D.
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