4 Crucial Things To Know About Child Support in Florida
In Florida, after parents get a divorce, one parent may be required to send the other parent child support every month. Child support plays a crucial role after a divorce. It is meant to provide financial help to children to ensure they are well taken care of despite their parents no longer being together. If you are going through a Florida divorce, there are some crucial things you need to know in regard to child support. This article discusses four vital things you need to know about child support in Florida.
#1: Factors Considered When Calculating Child Support in Florida
In Florida, the amount of child support a parent is required to pay is calculated using the state’s child support guidelines. The formula for calculating child support outlined under Florida Child Support Guidelines considers several crucial factors, including the following;
- The income of both parents
- Expenses for childcare and healthcare
- The time each parent spends with the child
- Support of other children
- Tax implications
It is crucial to note that the Florida Child Support Guidelines provide a framework. Depending on the specifics of your case, the court may deviate from the standard guidelines. If the court finds that it is in the best interest of your child(ren), it will deviate from the standard guidelines.
#2: Mothers or Fathers Can Be Asked To Pay Child Support
Some people assume that only fathers can be asked to pay child support. This is not the case. Both mothers and fathers can be asked to pay child support. In the past, fathers might have been the only ones who paid child support, but things changed. Child support is determined based on factors such as both parents’ income and the timesharing arrangement. Gender is not considered when it comes to deciding who will pay child support.
#3: When Do Child Support Payments Stop?
Most child support payments terminate once a child reaches the age of 18. However, there are instances when child support payments can continue even after a child has turned 18. According to Florida law, if a child turns 18 and is still in high school, child support payments can continue until the child graduates or reaches the age of 19, whichever happens first. Child support can also continue past the age of 18 if parents agree to extend child support or if a child has special needs. There are also instances where child support can end before a child turns 18. For example, a child support obligation may end earlier if a child is emancipated before turning 18.
#4: A Parent Doesn’t Have To Disclose How They Use Child Support
In Florida, parents receiving child support are not legally obligated to disclose how they spend the funds to the other parent. As long as a child’s needs are met, there is no requirement for a parent to provide an itemized breakdown of how they spend the money. However, if a parent is concerned that the other parent is misusing child support payments, they can pursue legal avenues, such as requesting a modification.
Contact Our Lakeland Family Law Attorney
Family law can be complex. You should not navigate your family law case alone. Allow our qualified Lakeland family law attorney at Darla K. Snead P.L. to help you. Call our office today at 863-619-5291 to schedule a consultation.
